Negros Oriental jail congested of drug inmates

CEBU, Philippines - As a result of the persistent campaign against illegal drugs, the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center is now congested with more than 300 detainees, far exceeding its capacity of 150 to 200 only. 

Provincial warden Joselito Bito-on, in his report to the governor during the Capitol’s monthly meeting with department heads, said the inmates are cramped in seven cells, most of whom had to sleep on the floor.

Bito-on said most of the inmates are facing drug-related cases and almost every week there are new fa-ces brought into the jail.

The provincial warden also reported his concern over reports of shabu use inside the jail. Three weeks ago, jail guards found four sachets of shabu neatly hidden in a used sachet of a deodorant, which was seen by a guard being thrown to the ground.

The guards suspected that the item was brought in by a man intended for his wife, a detainee facing drug charges.

Bito-on, however, assured the governor his command has been doing everything it could to prevent the entry of illegal drugs in coordination with local enforcement agencies. 

He added that CCTV cameras will be installed around the area of the provincial jail and inside the various cells to enable guards to monitor effectively any illegal activity among inmates. (FREEMAN)