By Jennifer P. Rendon
A jail officer from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) assigned to the Dumangas District Jail has been placed under restricted status after being implicated in the illegal drug trade, the BJMP-Region 6 confirmed.
In a press statement, Jail Senior Inspector Atty. Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-6 spokesperson and chief of the Legal Service Section/Regional Hearing Office, said the order was swiftly implemented after their office received reports linking the uniformed personnel to violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Jail Chief Superintendent Simeon Dolojo Jr., BJMP-6 regional director, ordered the Regional Investigation and Prosecution Division to conduct an in-depth administrative probe.
“The BJMP-6 will impose the gravest penalty on personnel found involved in any illegal drug activity,” the statement read.
Dolojo emphasized that if found guilty, the personnel will face a serious administrative offense that could lead to dismissal from service.
“The BJMP-6 will not hesitate to terminate and dismiss any personnel, regardless of rank, if they are found to be involved in any illegal activities. We will not condone or allow these erring personnel to remain in our ranks,” Dolojo said.
He assured the public that the BJMP remains committed to professionalism and public safety, and will enforce internal cleansing to eliminate any personnel involved in illegal acts.
The jail guard in question, holding the rank of Jail Officer 1, was reportedly staying in Barangay Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City, where a police anti-drug operation took place on April 2.
During the raid, police arrested two suspects identified only as Hazel, 36, and Nonoy, 41, a mini-bus driver from Palaypay, Anilao, Iloilo, at Hazel’s rented residence on 7th Street, Lawaan Village, Barangay Balantang.
Authorities seized around 350 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP2.38 million.
Hazel told authorities that the seized drugs were delivered by a BJMP personnel assigned to Dumangas.
Police also noted receiving previous reports about a man in BJMP uniform frequently seen in the area.
According to sources, the jail officer is a native of Capiz and entered the BJMP in 2022.
It was also reported that his brother had previously been arrested for a drug-related offense.
In response to the incident, BJMP-6 immediately launched a greyhound operation at the Dumangas District Jail.
All personnel assigned there were subjected to a surprise drug test.
