PB probes jail’s ‘nuisance’ mobile jamming device

By: Gerome Dalipe

The Iloilo Provincial Board will tackle public clamor on the “nuisance and damage” caused by the mobile signal jamming device installed in the jail facility in Pototan town.

The Provincial Board’s peace and order and safety committees summoned officials to the hearing following the privileged speech of Board Member Matt Palabrica on the effects of mobile phone jamming signal installed at the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center.

In his speech last Nov. 5, Palabrica called on his colleagues to address the economic and social distress of Barangay Nanga residents on the nuisance caused by the signal jamming device.

“They have suffered the inconvenience of not being able to adequately use their cellular phones and access the Internet due to the cellular phone jammers installed at the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center,” said Palabrica.

The IRC is now the Iloilo District Jail being managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

The signal jammer covers the 300 meter radius, which prohibits residents from sending messages, call or use of Internet adequately because of the device.

Barangay Nanga, Pototan, which is about 100 meters away from the jail facility, is reportedly severely affecting official communications to other government agencies, especially during emergency situations.

Nanga Barangay Capt. Julie Sequio informed municipal mayor and Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. about the negative effects of the phone jammers.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology reportedly assured to address the issues, but the problem continues.

The issue has serious implications in the economic and social life of residents in this barangay said Palabrica.

“They cannot optimize their livelihood activities nor stay in contact with families and relatives elsewhere because life nowadays is so dependent on cellular communications,” said Palabrica.

He acknowledged the mobile signal jammer maybe considered an effective tool in crime prevention to curb the drug trade initiated at the jail facility.

However, it exposed a vital flaw or weakness in law enforcement and prisoner containment within the facility.

“As a government, our prime responsibility is the welfare of our people who are law-abiding and only pursuing the interest of their families. Law enforcement should sublimate itself to the interest of those who abide by the law,” said Palabrica.

Among the invited officers during the hearing on Nov. 12 are Jail Warden Chief Insp. Richard Servano, National Telecommunication Commission (NTC)-7 Director Nestor Antonio Monroy, Capt. Sequio.