DRUGS, GAMBLING THRIVE IN JAIL? Ex-inmate says they’re rampant, jail official denies

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

In several instances, arrested drug peddlers pointed to inmates of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities as their sources of illegal drugs.

While no inmate was convicted for maneuvering illegal drug transactions while behind bars, it exists. That is, if the statement of former inmate alias “Arnold” is to be believed.

Arnold said there have been rampant illegal drug activities, gambling, and business dealings inside the jail facility.

Arnold, who claimed to be jailed for a non-drug-related offense, said he used to go around the facility and knew that some inmates continue their drug dealings inside.

These inmates usually linked up with another inmate from Iloilo who is already at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

“Nagapangamo na ang mga preso nga halin diri sa mga bigtime didto sa Manila,” he told RMN-Iloilo.

The inmate from Iloilo City would link up his source from Manila to a local downline to distribute narcotics. The source and the downline don’t have to know each other.

These transactions are done through mobile phones.

But how could inmates secure a mobile phone if it’s prohibited to have one while in jail?

“It’s easy. You have to buy one from the jail guards,” he said.

The warden doesn’t necessarily know about this activity.

A basic keypad mobile phone costs around P2,000 while a touch screen phone is sold at P20,000.

Aside from mobile phones, liquor and cigarettes are also sold inside the facility.

A cigarette stick would cost you P25 or P500 per pack. A small bottle of rum could also be sold at P1,200.

On top of that, the jail facility has been a haven for inmates who are into gambling.

The most rampant game is cara y cruz or locally known as tumbô.

The gambling is allegedly facilitated by the mayor and the mayor de mayores or the top leaders of the inmates.

Each cell is allegedly given a schedule to host the game.

The “tong” or proceeds are divided between the cell’s mayor and the mayor de mayores.

Arnold claimed that the money circulating inside the facility could go over millions of pesos.

Some inmates have been pressuring their family to give them money if they have incurred debts.

But some debts are not necessarily due to illegal gambling or drugs. Some have debts for food.

“May tindahan man da nga nagabaligya sud-an. Pwede ka gani kabakal baboy da kay may pugon man ang kada selda,” he said.

Arnold said they had to buy food because the ration is only twice a day – breakfast and lunch.

 

DIVERSIONARY TACTICS

The BJMP-6 management denied allegations that inmates were behind the proliferation of illegal drugs in its facilities.

Jail Superintendent Gilbert Peremne, BJMP-6 assistant regional director for administration, said it could be a tactic of drug personalities to distract the attention of authorities.

“They are pointing to the jail facility because they don’t want their operations to be monitored,” he said.

As to the allegation of an arrested drug personality that his source is from BJMP-Ungka (in Jaro, Iloilo City), “daw ka impossible man. Because of the situation, they weren’t able to receive visitors. How could they communicate?” Peremne said.

On top of that, the man allegedly named in the interview was about to be released after availing of the plea-bargaining agreement.

But just the same, he said they would check into the veracity of the allegations.

Peremne stressed, though, that any accusations hurled against the BJMP management should be based on facts and evidences.