The outgoing Governor and Misamis Oriental second district representative-elect, in the flag-raising ceremony Monday, June 13, told the MOPJ custodial force to strictly inspect all prisoners and visitors, including jail guards, as part of their measures to fight illegal drugs inside the jail.
“Your team must continue to work and check all those who go inside and out of the provincial jail. It must be thorough and no one is excluded; visitors, prisoners, and even guards. Do not be afraid because you are doing the right thing,” Emano told MOPJ Assistant Warden Francisco Sarangay who leads the Jail custodial force.
Aside from the possible involvement of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), Emano also did not rule out the possibility of having jail contractual personnel who might be involved in the illegal activity but added that he doesn’t have evidence to prove this.
The local chief executive also stressed that the jail must be transferred to its new location as it is currently situated at the vehicle-crowded Gen. Antonio Luna St., Barangay 27, this city.
“Maybe (illegal drugs) have been thrown over the wall from the street. That is why it is necessary for the provincial jail to be transferred and cannot be penetrated because its two sides are (facing) the streets,” he said.
Last Feb. 1, a 24-year old woman from Zone 10, Barangay Carmen here was allegedly caught trying to bring in 28.5 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P193,800 by slipping them over the perimeter fence of the provincial jail.
Provincial jail overseer Roehl Leon Factura said in an interview that the suspect did not go to the jail as a visitor and instead intentionally tried sneaking in shabu.
Construction is ongoing for the new five-hectare MOPJ and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Apas in Initao, Misamis Oriental.
During the later part of the flag-raising ceremony, members of the MOPJ custodial force were recognized for intercepting illegal drugs inside the provincial jail last March 19, March 30, and April 10.
Aside from Sarangay, Marlon Relos, Kevin Galorio, Michelle Domo, Monique Gamba, Flor Libres, Ronnel Balili, Renato C. Salas, and Jenkey Dablio received plaques of recognition.
“I hope this will not be the first, the second, and the last. It is necessary for you to be attentive, assistant warden. Catch them and arrest them,” Emano told Sarangay.