Bago city: The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) - Negros Island Region (NIR) has reiterated its strict implementation of security measures following the seizure of illegal drugs from a visitor at the Negros Occidental District Jail - Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) in Bago City, just two days before Christmas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chief Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, spokesperson for BJMP-NIR, confirmed that the suspect, now detained at the Bago City Police Station, has been charged with violating Republic Act (RA) 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. "A case was filed before the Bago City Prosecutor's Office for violation of RA 9165," Umadhay stated.

A report from BJMP-NIR detailed the incident, revealing that at approximately 3:38 p.m. on December 23, a jail officer intercepted two sachets of shabu and dried marijuana leaves. These were discovered inside a ziplock plastic bag during routine and intensified security checks. The contraband was concealed within a homemade "kalan" (clay stove) brought in by a visitor named James Diaz Jr., a resident of Barangay Sum-ag, Bacolod City.

Initial investigations indicated that Diaz intended to deliver the "kalan" containing the drugs to a detained friend facing charges under RA 9165. The seizure of the contraband comes amid complaints from friends and relatives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), who have voiced concerns over the strict security measures enforced by jail management under Warden Supt. Crisyrel Awe, claiming these measures to be restrictive and violative of their rights.

Umadhay emphasized that such security protocols are crucial, lawful, and necessary to prevent contraband from entering the facility, ensuring the safety and security of PDLs, personnel, and visitors. In support of the measures, BJMP-NIR Director, Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio, praised the vigilance, dedication, and commitment of the NODJ-MD jail officer involved in the interception. "Vigilance and professionalism remain key in maintaining drug-free jail facilities. I commend our jail officers for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that no contraband shall enter our jail facilities," Fulgencio stated.