MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) yesterday asked the Marcos administration to prioritize the funding of signal jammers to cut communications of inmates.
BJMP spokesman Xavier Solda welcomed the proposal of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos to put signal blockers in jails.
“It is an important tool to prevent inmates from engaging in the illegal drug trade,” he said.
“We are backing the idea, kaya lang ang second step of course is funding,” he added.
BJMP director Alan Iral also expressed support for Abalos’ proposal to conduct random drug testing for jail personnel.
Data showed that out of 477 jails nationwide, only 262 have been declared drug-free.
There are at least 131,700 inmates in BJMP facilities nationwide.