BACOLOD City — Human rights advocates in Negros Occidental have challenged the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) reported seizure of illegal drugs and mobile phones inside the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD), raising concerns about transparency and accountability in jail operations.
The Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) on Saturday denied BJMP claims that four sachets of suspected shabu and six mobile phones, including an iPhone, were confiscated during greyhound operations conducted on November 18 and 20. BJMP-NIR spokesperson Atty. Juniven Umadhay earlier confirmed the seizure, stating it followed intelligence reports that contraband had been smuggled into the facility.
HRAN, however, described the allegations as “malicious” and an attempt to deflect attention from growing complaints against the current jail administration. The group highlighted that since the August 28 noise protest by inmates demanding the replacement of NODJ Warden JSupt. Atty. Crisysrel Awe, security protocols—including strip searches and body cavity inspections—have been intensified, making the entry of illegal drugs “highly improbable.”
“Since August, the NODJ implemented strip search and body cavity search procedures considered inhumane and degrading. It’s completely naked when someone goes inside the jail facility,” HRAN said, adding that blaming Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) only deflects scrutiny from alleged institutional lapses.
Following the August protest, Awe voluntarily stepped down but was reinstated after an internal investigation.
HRAN urged the BJMP to ensure transparency in all operations and adhere to national and international jail management standards, including the 2015 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) and the BJMP Comprehensive Operations Manual.
While confirming the confiscation, Umadhay clarified that the individuals responsible for the contraband have not yet been identified and investigations are ongoing. He emphasized that the greyhound operation is a routine measure aimed at curbing illicit activities inside detention facilities. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
