Drugs hidden in cooking stove seized at Negros jail

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A man was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 23, for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) male dormitory in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) identified the suspect only as James, a resident of Bacolod City.

He was scheduled to visit a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the facility when a jail officer intercepted him during a routine inspection.

Authorities discovered two sachets of suspected shabu and dried marijuana leaves concealed inside a ziplock bag, which was hidden in a homemade kalan (portable stove), that the suspect brought as a “gift” for the detainee.

Jail Chief Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-NIR spokesperson, said the illegal items were found during intensified security inspections.

The suspect is now detained at the Bago City Police Station, and a drug case has been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

The arrest comes amid ongoing criticism from some relatives and friends of PDLs who have raised complaints about the strict security measures implemented by Jail Superintendent Crisyrel Awe.

They alleged that these policies are overly restrictive and infringe on their rights.

In August, PDLs reportedly staged a noise barrage and protest demanding Awe’s removal due to alleged mistreatment.

While Awe was initially relieved, he was later reinstated after an internal investigation found no violations in his management or security enforcement.

BJMP-NIR officials defended the current security measures, emphasizing their importance in keeping the facility safe and drug-free.

“These protocols are necessary, lawful, and essential to prevent the entry of contraband and ensure the safety and security of PDLs, personnel, and visitors alike,” the bureau stated.

Jail Chief Superintendent Brendan Fulgencio, BJMP-NIR director, commended the officer who discovered the drugs.

“Their dedication and commitment ensure that no contraband shall enter our jail facilities,” Fulgencio said.

Drug crash

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police arrested two alleged drug suspects on Dec. 25 in Barangay San Teodoro, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, after responding to a vehicular crash.

Police identified the suspects as Anthon, 35, and Phil, 26, both residents of Kabankalan City.

Authorities said the suspects were fleeing when the vehicle struck roadside structures and a mango tree.

When police arrived, the pair attempted to escape by boarding a tricycle but were apprehended in Crossing Bag-o, Barangay San Jose, Binalbagan.

Due to their evasive behavior, a traffic investigator inspected their black backpack and discovered suspected illegal drugs.

Police recovered 80 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP 544,000.

Anthon is classified as a high-value individual, while Phil is tagged as a street-level drug personality.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reaffirmed its commitment to law enforcement even during the holiday season.

“Drug activities will be uncovered, offenders will be apprehended, and the law will be enforced without pause to protect the peace and safety of communities across the region,” the regional office said.