BJMP backs anti-smuggling measure at Mandaue jail

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory supports the proposed ordinance by the City Council that prohibits anyone from smuggling in, using, or possessing unauthorized mobile phones and other electronic communication devices within the city’s jail facilities.

Dormitory Warden Shela Serrano told reporters, in an interview, that although no such incident has occurred in the female dormitory, the ordinance is a good preventive measure—especially since they are set to transfer to a new facility this year.

The ordinance, which recently passed in second reading in the Mandaue City Council, seeks to strengthen efforts to uphold order and security in the jail system.

According to jail officials, mobile phones continued to be among the most frequently smuggled items.

Although the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) already has internal policies banning these devices, authorities noted that enforcement had been challenging due to the absence of legal sanctions.

Serrano said the proposed ordinance was previously coordinated with BJMP Male Dormitory Jail Warden, Jail Superintendent John Conrad Marcilino Basilio.

She said that upon learning about the ordinance, she said that it would be good if it gets approved, as it would greatly help both the female and male dormitories of the BJMP.

With the ordinance in place, individuals caught sneaking in contraband wouldn’t just be banned—they could now face legal consequences, especially since the BJMP is strictly implementing measures to prevent contraband from entering the jail, Serrano said.

“Malaking tulong yun since hindi nalang siya maba-ban yung individual but rather mape-penalize sila,” said Serrano.

Serrano said that if the ordinance is approved, there is a greater chance that while such activities may not be completely eliminated, they can be significantly reduced in Mandaue City’s jails.

“Since yung individual na mag attempt is meron ng sanction or mape-penalize na,” Serrano explained.

Unlike the BJMP Male Dormitory, the female dormitory has not encountered any incidents of contraband being smuggled into the facility.

Serrano said that there are no residents nearby, who are often responsible for passing mobile phones into the prison—a practice known as “bombing” in the male dorm.

However, Serrano said that as the BJMP Female Dormitory in Mandaue City is prepareing to relocate to a new and improved facility in Sitio Dungguan, Barangay Basak later this year, they are also getting ready to prevent such activities by strengthening deterrent measures against these kinds of violations.

She said that the new location is similar to the area of the male dormitory and could also become prone to such activities, as there is a nearby residential community.

That’s why they are preparing early for these potential challenges once they transfer to the new facility, she said.

Currently, the female dormitory houses a jail population of 95 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Once approved, anyone  caught violating the 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.

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 P5,000 at the discretion of the court, and shall be disqualified from receiving any monthly allowance from the City Government of Mandaue.

In a previous interview with Councilor del Castillo, he said that the 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. (CEBU NEWS)