City jail inspection yields contraband

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Jail in coordination with the Cebu City Police Office has confiscated defective cellular phones, improvised sharp and pointed objects, ropes, wire heaters and metal sticks during the surprise operation at the jail yesterday morning.

This was announced by Cebu City Jail Warden, Supt. Johnson Calub, during the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC) meeting yesterday.

The items confiscated included six defective cellular phones, 14 disposable lighters, 19 improvised ropes, four metal sticks, 20 assorted nails, 25 improvised sharp and pointed objects, two improvised wire heaters, a Globe sim, a defective cell phone charger, a defective chord, and a deck of cards.

"Few contrabands lang ang nakuha and atong gipakita nga what happened in New Bilibid Prison, wala gyud na mahitabo diri sa local jails like katong VIP rooms," Calub said.

At least 19 inmates were found staying in "high-end" quarters complete with appliances at the New Bilibid Prison.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, head of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, agrees.

"Superintendent Calub assured me that they don't have that special treatment of the inmates inside, everyone was treated equally," Labella said.

He said inspection should be done regularly at random intervals so that what happens in Muntinlupa will not be replicated here.

"I asked him why there was no shabu and Calub told me that there was really none, so far," Labella said, albeit admitting that he does not completely believe that the illegal drugs trade has not penetrated the city jail. Still, he said he trusts the jail warden and urged that the jail put stricter security measures in place.

I trust him, knowing his personality," Labella said.

Calub said inmates who will be caught with contraband will be sanctioned accordingly.

"Nasakpan nato sa talas mo-appear sa disciplinary board nga mahatag ang sanction kun unsay gidak-on sa ilang mga sala nga nabuhat sa policy. Pwedeng i-ban ilang bisita or walay recreation," he added.

To recall, at least 285 functional cellular phones were confiscated from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center this year. — (FREEMAN)