30 PDLs tests negative for drugs

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Some 30 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were tested negative for illegal drug use during the surprise drug test conducted at Metro Bacolod District Jail (MBDJ)-male dormitory in Barangay Singcang-Airport here last September 27.

These PDLs were randomly picked and were subjected to the test facilitated by the jail’s health section, along with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Moreover, the Bureau of Jail Management Penology (BJMP)-VI Special Tactics and Response Team led by Senior Inspector Mark Malabhour, and PDEA-6 with K9 unit conducted a greyhound operation and scoured the 20 dormitories of the facility.

No illegal drugs were found during the search but authorities confiscated some nuisance contrabands like playing cards, paddle, improvised knives, lighter, cellular phones, and chargers, among others.

Newly-installed jail warden, Chief Inspector Jairus Anthony Dogelio initiated the drug test and greyhound operation as part of the bureau’s battle against breaches in the detention facility, especially on illegal drugs and other contrabands.

Both will be conducted regularly to prevent sneaking in of prohibited items and to remind jail officers to never get involved in illegal drug activities.

Dogelio said that he will enforce strict implementation of the bureau’s policies, reforms, and discipline in terms of integrity and professionalism among personnel under command.

The new leadership ensures a dedicated performance of its mandate in upholding the high standards for the prevention of contrabands inside the jail facility to maintain safety and security of the public, PDLs, visitors, and the personnel.