Talisay inmates caught with drugs inside jail

CEBU, Philippines – Two detainees were caught allegedly concealing illegal drugs and cash inside the Talisay City Jail yesterday morning.

The arrest came after two jail officers Clyde Manatad and Raymund Cabal conducted their regular roving since all detainees have their physical conditioning and sports activity every Monday.

While other detainees were busy on their physical exercises, the two detainees, Irnie Lawas and Ruselo Ravanes, were seen at the restricted area. Manatad and Cabal caught the two detainees on possession of four packs of small rolls of paper inside white crystalline substance as shabu and cash amounting to P1,390.

Lawas and Ravanes are detained for charges of frustrated murder and robbery with homicide, respectively.

In an interview with reporters yesterday morning, Lawas admitted that he owned the drugs and that he was selling them to his co-detainees. "Dinhi ra pud ni nako ibaligya kay naa man sab mamalit," Lawas said.

Lawas added that the items did not come from his visitors but instead it was being thrown outside from the facility.

"Ilabay ra man ni nila sa luyo sa prisohan," he said.

Talisay City jail warden Felipe Montejo said strict monitoring and inspection were conducted before entering the facility, especially on the visitors.

"Kani ilang pamaagi, bombing, ang tawag niini. Wala man gud nagbantay diha sa taas kay concentrated man atong mga jail officers sa ubos," Montejo said.

Montejo said he has no doubt among his personnel are involved in the illegal activity.

"Wala ko'y pagduda nga ang among kaubanan nalakip niining kalihukan. We are very strict with them ilabi na nga dili sila kaayo namo paduol-duolon sa atong mga detainees aron malikayan ang familiarity," Montejo said.

Talisay City assistant jail warden Danilo Rodriguez Jr. said the suspected shabu that were confiscated will be set for examination. The suspects will be placed under isolation detention cell.

A case of violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 is being prepared against the suspects for filing.

So far, the city jail holds 277 detainees.