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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider BJMP probes smuggling of cellphone at Negros Occidental District Jail

BJMP probes smuggling of cellphone at Negros Occidental District Jail

Published Aug 31, 2025 05:29 pm
A PART of a video recorded during a noise barrage of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) inside the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City on Aug. 28 which circulated on social media. (Screengrab from RMN-DYHB Bacolod video)
A PART of a video recorded during a noise barrage of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) inside the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City on Aug. 28 which circulated on social media. (Screengrab from RMN-DYHB Bacolod video)
BACOLOD CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) is investigating how a cellphone was smuggled into the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, after a video allegedly filmed by a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) during a recent protest gained attention online.
The video showed a tear gas which was claimed by a PDL was used against them while protesting the leadership of then-warden Jail Chief Insp. Crisyrel Awe on Thursday.
However, BJMP-NIR spokesperson Jail Senior Insp. Juniven Rey Umadhay questioned the inmates’ credibility, noting the unauthorized cellphone use itself is a violation.
Umadhay said that based on Awe’s explanation, the use of equipment, though the type was not specified, was allegedly deployed in response to PDLs allegedly throwing stones at personnel and vehicles outside the jail premises.
“It’s brazen for them to use smartphones while complaining about mistreatment,” Umadhay said.
Umadhay said that the use of such measures must align with operational guidelines, which only permit force in emergency or necessary situations.
The identity of the person who recorded the video inside the facility is still unknown. If identified, they may lose privileges such as time allowances, according to Umadhay.
Recent greyhound inspections at NODJ have uncovered smartphones and improvised weapons. Authorities are probing if contraband was thrown over the perimeter or smuggled in with help of insiders.
Umadhay said that the presence of such items poses a serious threat to both jail staff and other inmates, as they could be used in illicit activities.
“We are considering all factors to determine how the cellphone got inside the facility,” he added.
He said that greyhound operations are regularly conducted in jails to flush out any contrabands.
The BJMP-NIR reaffirmed its willingness to listen to PDLs’ concerns, as long as they are expressed responsibly.
Tighter security measures are now in place, amid rising tensions and a recent attempt on a jail officer’s life.
Following the protest, Awe voluntarily stepped down and was replaced by Jail Senior Insp. Raymond Aro.
Awe has not been officially relieved and is under investigation while at the Regional Holding Unit, Umadhay said.
Prior to his assignment at NODJ, Awe served as the jail warden of the Dumaguete City District Jail in Negros Oriental.

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Bago City Negros Occidental Dsitrict Jail Cellphone smuggling
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