Catapang orders BuCor probe into suspected sale, use of drugs in Zamboanga penal farm

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. has ordered an investigation into the suspected sale and use of illegal drugs inside the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City.

BuCor, in a statement Tuesday, said Catapang ordered the leadership of the Zamboanga prison to look into alleged involvement of bureau personnel and Persons Deprived of Liberty in the crime.

This was after Aharayam Jaidi, a wife of the PDL, was arrested for trying to smuggle in 2.7 grams of suspected shabu worth P18,000 while visiting her husband.

Three shabu sachets were found inside the bra and underwear of Jaidi, who also earlier tested positive for drug use, BuCor said.

“Jaidi was turned over to the Zamboanga Police Station for investigation and appropriate filing of the case,” the bureau continued.

BuCor also said that SRPPF C/Supt. Vic Domingo Suyat, in a report to Catapang, stated that they became suspicious that illegal drugs are inside the penal farm after four inmates having a pot session were caught by their cell leader on May 5.

“This prompted the SRPPF officials to subject the eight PDLs who shared the same cell to a drug test and seven including the husband of Jaidi were found to be positive for drug use,” BuCor said.

Suyat had said that the inmates have been moved to a preventive cell where they will stay for a maximum of two months. Their Good Conduct and Time Allowance, which allows them to reduce their sentence for good behavior inside prison, will be suspended for at least a year.

Catapang, meanwhile, clarified that visitation in the penal farm was only suspended last Saturday, and not for a week, to give way for the investigation. — Kristine Joy Patag