Anti-smuggling measure at Mandaue jail beefed up

CEBU, Philippines — To strengthen the enforcement of jail rules, the Mandaue City Council is crafting an ordinance that seeks to prohibit any person from sneaking in, using, or possessing unauthorized mobile phones and other electronic communication devices inside the city’s jail facilities.

Anyone caught violating this ordinance will face corresponding penalties.

In the draft ordinance authored by Councilor Oscar del Castillo, the measure seeks to prevent and eliminate the dangers posed by individuals sneaking in, using, or possessing unauthorized mobile phones or electronic communication devices, which may be used to intimidate or threaten witnesses, orchestrate crimes, coordinate escapes, bribe jail officers, order retaliation against other inmates, communicate with fellow detainees, access the internet, and cause security breaches.

The ordinance was passed by the Mandaue City Council on first reading on Monday, June 9.

Once enacted, it will prohibit any person from willfully smuggling, carrying, using, or attempting to sneak in, carry, or use—either directly or through others—any mobile phone or electronic communication device of any kind inside the jail facility.

These items will be classified as contraband and shall be strictly prohibited within the jail facility, the proposed measure stated.

It will be declared unlawful for any person to sneak in, use, or carry mobile phones or other electronic communication devices inside the jail facility, except in areas specifically designated or authorized by the Jail Management and relevant law enforcement agencies or government institutions.

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) detained in jail facilities within the territorial jurisdiction of Mandaue City may be allowed to use mobile phones or other electronic communication devices during E-Dalaw, online court trials or hearings, and in cases of emergency; provided, however, that only officially issued devices shall be used exclusively for these purposes.

The use of authorized mobile phones or any type of electronic communication device shall be strictly supervised by assigned personnel.

To ensure compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, the jail officer on duty or the designated searcher shall conduct a pat-down search of PDLs, visitors, and all jail officers, personnel, and staff prior to entry into the jail facility.

Any person caught sneaking in, using, or carrying a mobile phone or electronic communication device inside the jail facility shall face the prescribed penalties.

Additionally, any visitor who breaches or violates the conditions set forth shall have their mobile phone or electronic communication device confiscated.

Any PDL found violating these rules shall be liable to imprisonment of three to six months and/or a fine of P5,000, at the discretion of the court, payable to the City Government. However, subsidiary imprisonment may be imposed in case of insolvency.

Confiscated contraband or communication devices shall be handled in accordance with the existing policies of the Jail Bureau or the relevant law enforcement agencies or government institutions.

Meanwhile, any jail officer, personnel, or staff member found sneaking in or smuggling mobile phones or electronic communication devices shall, in addition to any administrative penalties, be liable to imprisonment of three to six months and/or a fine of Php 5,000 at the discretion of the court, and shall be disqualified from receiving any monthly allowance from the City Government of Mandaue.

In an interview, Councilor del Castillo said that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mandaue City strongly pushed for this ordinance and requested the City Council to act on it.

“Ato nang gipangusgan ron nga ma penalize na gyud,” said del Castillo.

Del Castillo said that with the passage of the ordinance, the problem of smuggling inside the jail can be prevented.

The councilor added that having penalties will serve as a warning to those running the smuggling operations.

On the other hand, BJMP Male Dormitory Jail Warden, Jail Superintendent John Conrad Marcilino Basilio, said that although their security is strict, it is still difficult to completely stop smuggling because there are informal settlers nearby who often pass mobile phones into the prison, a practice known as “bombing.”

“Sila ay nagtatapon ng kontrabando sa ating piitan,” said Basilio.

With this, Basilio said that jail security has been strengthened.

He likewise supported the ordinance, which he said necessary to ensure that those who attempt to bring in illegal contraband such as electronic gadgets and cellphones will face appropriate sanctions.

“Pag may ordinansa tayo mas mabibigyan ng ngipin at pangil ang ating batas upang sa gayon yung ibang nagnanais at yung gustong mag sneak in ng mga kontrabando sa ating piitan,” said Basilio.

Basilio said that if the ordinance is passed, he hopes these kinds of incidents will be greatly reduced or completely eradicated.

The proposed ordinance is set to be approved by the City Council on second, and final reading on Monday. (CEBU NEWS)