Pototan jail wardens relieved after shabu, phones seized

ILOILO CITY — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Region 6 has confirmed the relief of two jail wardens assigned to its facilities in Pototan, Iloilo.

Jail Chief Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-6 spokesperson, said Regional Director Jail Chief Superintendent Elena Rocamora ordered the relief of Jail Superintendent Jobert Tulayan and Jail Chief Inspector Denver Fantilaga effective Sept. 15.

Tulayan was the warden of the Iloilo District Jail-Male Dormitory, while Fantilaga headed the Iloilo District Jail-Male Dormitory Annex.

Both facilities are located in Barangay Nanga, Pototan.

Tulayan was reassigned to the IDJ-Male Dormitory Annex, while Fantilaga was transferred to the BJMP-6 regional office in Iloilo City.

Jail Superintendent Jairus Anthony Dogelio took over Tulayan’s post.

Umadhay said Rocamora ordered the relief of the two officials so as not to affect the ongoing investigation.

The move came after suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and two mobile phones were recovered during surprise greyhound operations inside the two jail facilities on Sept. 14.

Around three grams of suspected shabu were seized from one of the cells at the IDJ-Male Dormitory Annex, while one mobile phone was found at each jail facility.

Eight persons deprived of liberty at the IDJ-Male Dormitory also tested positive for illegal drug use.

Around 1,500 PDLs are currently housed at the IDJ-Male Dormitory, while 766 are held at the annex.

Umadhay said Rocamora is taking the matter seriously.

“That’s why, we want to determine if there are lapses on the part of our personnel – those who are on duty and those who conducting searches. As to the jail wardens, they are being investigated by virtue of command responsibly,” he said.

Umadhay said investigators are also looking into the possibility of direct collusion between jail personnel and those found with illegal drugs, as well as the PDLs who tested positive for drug use.

“All are being looked into. Although, we are looking at negligence on their part because they haven’t been strict with conducting searches,” he said.

Umadhay said the cases involving those found keeping contraband and the PDLs who failed the drug test have not yet been elevated for further action.

The jail disciplinary board is considering sanctions and disciplinary measures, including the cancellation of good conduct time allowances and visiting privileges.

Meanwhile, Umadhay confirmed that Jail Superintendent Gusser Gadong, warden of the Iloilo City District Jail-Male Dormitory in Barangay Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City, will retain his post.

A joint greyhound operation was also conducted at the Jaro jail early Sept. 16.

Authorities recovered 35 mobile phones, a vape device, a cellphone charger, and four SIM card starter packs.

Forty-three PDLs underwent drug testing, and all tested negative.

Gadong was not relieved because he had been in the post for only two weeks when the greyhound operation was conducted.