ILOILO City — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas has moved to purge its ranks after two jail officers were linked to illegal drug activities, triggering possible dismissal proceedings and a regionwide tightening of internal security measures.
The intensified “internal cleansing” campaign within BJMP Region 6 aims at restoring public trust and sealing vulnerabilities in jail operations amid persistent threats of drug infiltration.
One of the officers, a Jail Officer 1 assigned at the Dumangas, Iloilo District Jail, has been charged with two administrative offenses due to alleged involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs. He also tested positive in the agency’s annual drug test.
Another officer, a Senior Jail Officer 2 assigned at the regional office, also tested positive in a drug test.
BJMP-6 spokesperson Atty. Juniven Rey Umadhay said the filing of charges shows the agency’s stronger enforcement of accountability measures within its ranks.
“We are strengthening our accountability measures within the agency,” Umadhay said.
He stressed that the BJMP does not tolerate any personnel involved in illegal activities.
“Even if they are our own personnel, we will take action against them,” he added.
Umadhay noted that erring personnel may face administrative sanctions, including dismissal from service.
The BJMP official said the cases highlight the agency’s ongoing internal cleansing program to ensure discipline and integrity among personnel.
“These cases show that the BJMP is serious about cleaning its ranks. This is not about covering up, but about taking action to protect the integrity of the agency,” Umadhay said.
He added that regular drug testing and strict monitoring continue to be implemented in all facilities across the region.
Aside from administrative actions, BJMP-6 is also tightening security measures to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and other contraband into jail facilities.
Umadhay cited a recent incident at the Aklan District Jail in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, where jail personnel confiscated four sachets of suspected shabu hidden inside kangkong (water spinach) stems brought by a 17-year-old male for a person deprived of liberty (PDL).
“This incident shows that there are still personnel who remain clean and are determined to protect the integrity of our facilities,” he said.
“We continue to strengthen our security measures to prevent the entry of contraband,” he added.
Umadhay assured the public and families of persons deprived of liberty that the BJMP is doing everything to maintain safety inside jail facilities.
“We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our detainees and to protect the public,” he said.
Authorities are also continuing investigations, especially involving individuals arrested in buy-bust operations who may have links to the smuggling of illegal drugs into some BJMP jail facilities./PN
