BJMP fires jail officer over drug trade link

ILOILO CITY — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has dismissed a Jail Officer 1 from service over his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The dismissal followed an administrative investigation that found substantial evidence linking the officer to illegal drug transactions.

The officer also tested positive for illegal drugs.

Jail Chief Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP Region 6 spokesperson, said the case was resolved based on substantial evidence after the respondent was notified of the charges and afforded full administrative due process.

Newly appointed BJMP-6 Regional Director Jail Chief Superintendent Elena Rocamora reaffirmed the bureau’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal drugs and misconduct.

Rocamora said all BJMP personnel must uphold the law, protect the integrity of the uniform, and maintain the trust of the Filipino people.

“We will not tolerate personnel who compromise the integrity of the Bureau through illegal activities. Those who violate the law and our established rules will be held accountable and will face the appropriate administrative sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the service, the Regional Director stated,” she said in a statement.

Rocamora’s leadership principle of “Makatao, Matino at Matatag” emphasizes compassion in service, integrity and professionalism in conduct, and firmness in acting against wrongdoing.

The BJMP also stressed that accountability and compassion must go hand in hand.

“While every personnel are entitled to due process and fair treatment, those found to have violated the law and the standards of the service must answer for their actions,” she added.

The dismissed officer had earlier been placed on restricted status after he was linked to the illegal drug trade.

Umadhay said the restriction was immediately imposed after BJMP-6 received reports that a personnel assigned to the Dumangas District Jail was allegedly involved in violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Then-BJMP-6 Regional Director Jail Chief Superintendent Simeon Dolojo Jr. also directed the Regional Investigation and Prosecution Division to conduct an in-depth administrative investigation of the officer.

“The BJMP-6 will impose heh gravest penalty to personnel found involved in any illegal drug activity,” the BJMP leadership earlier said.

Dolojo also stressed that BJMP-6 would not hesitate to terminate or dismiss personnel, regardless of rank, if they were found to be involved in illegal activities.

“We will not condone and let these erring personal to remain in our ranks,” he added.

The case stemmed from an April 2, 2025, police anti-narcotics operation in Barangay Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City, where the BJMP officer was reportedly staying.

Police arrested alias Hazel, 36, and alias Nonoy, 41, a minibus driver from Palaypay, Anilao, Iloilo, at the woman’s rented house on 7th Street in Barangay Balantang.

Authorities seized about 350 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 2.38 million during the operation.

Hazel alleged that the illegal drugs had been supplied by a BJMP officer assigned to the Dumangas District Jail.

Police officers also said they had received reports of a man in a BJMP uniform frequently visiting the area.

BJMP-6 subsequently placed the implicated officer on restricted status and ordered him to report to the regional office while the administrative investigation was conducted.

The officer, who reportedly hails from Capiz, entered the BJMP in 2022.

His brother had also allegedly been arrested for a drug-related offense.