DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Duterte has ordered police to investigate the reported illegal drug activity inside Davao City Jail in Maa after two persons, who presented themselves as members of a religious organization, were arrested for attempting to smuggle several sachets of suspected shabu worth P1.8 million in packs of noodles on Christmas Eve.
In an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5), Duterte said that the city government was seeking a deeper probe on the incident to determine if there were personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Davao who may have involvement in illegal drug activities inside the jail facility.
She said the suspects, who were identified by authorities as 63-year-old Doroteo Guibernas and 34-year old Mylene Tamondong, attempted to sneak the prohibited drugs into the jail’s male dormitory.
Several sachets of shabu were intercepted as the jail personnel inspected the noodles, according to her.
In a phone interview Saturday, BJMP 11 spokesperson Jail Insp. Edo Lobenia did not disclose the name of religious group that gave the goods but the agency had the name of inmates who might be involved.
He added that they are already conducting thorough investigation to determine if anyone from their ranks was involved.
“We never tolerate our personnel. We will file an administrative case if there is anyone involved,” Lobenia added.
Lobenia maintained that there was no illegal drug trade inside jail, and surmised the seized shabu might have been intended for drug-using inmates.
He said the BJMP 11 is conducting “Operation: Greyhound,” an anti-illegal drugs and anti-contraband campaign to prevent the entry, use, and movement of contraband within jail premises to protect the public, employees, and inmates. (Antonio L. Colina IV)