Cops to augment security at CPDRC

CEBU, Philippines — Sixteen policemen will augment security at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center amid issues hounding the province-run jail.

Two teams, each composed of eight elements from the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) of Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), will be stationed at CPDRC, according to PPSC Superintendent Mario Baquiran Jr.

At least 20 PPSC personnel are currently detailed at CPDRC.

On top of the policemen, around 60 jail guards are monitoring the 3,500 inmates housed at the 1.4-hectare facility in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

Governor Hilario Davide III said the move is in anticipation of the suspension of around 10 CPDRC personnel within the week.

"I'm looking at the names pa.  I'm checking also.  Very likely this week, I'll be suspending guards," the governor said.

In his speech during the culminating event of the 448th Founding Anniversary of Cebu last month, the governor warned that “heads will roll” in CPDRC following the employees’ alleged involvement in the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband items inside the facility.

“We are doing our best, as much as we can, to eradicate the supply of drugs in the CPDRC. Heads will roll. By first week of September, there will be a first batch of heads that will roll,” Davide said.

The governor made a stern warning to all CPDRC employees after some of them were linked to the entry of at least 20 grams of suspected shabu worth P236,000 that were found at the jail canteen earlier last month.

Aside from shabu, at least 27 cellphones and chargers, a portable DVD player, sharp weapons and a tally sheet for illegal numbers game (swertres) and P18, 000 cash were seized inside the prison cell numbers 69, 73, 32, and 46 of the male dormitory of the said facility.

The cells raided by the police house high-value targets involved in illegal drugs.

Aside from personnel, Bacquiran said the provincial government is asking some recommendations from him on what measures to adopt to improve the security system inside the jail.

“Gusto lang namin madagdagan (ang guards). Ang thrust kasi ni governor ay ma-zero na ang contraband. Wala ng makapasok na drugs sa whole facility,” he said.

He added that they will also look into the rotations of the guards.

The PPSC also suggested a security survey inspection to determine where to strategically install closed-circuit television cameras and the like.

Bacquiran said there are corners and hallways inside the jail that are not yet covered by the existing surveillance cameras.

As to greyhound operations, he said, there are no schedules yet.

“Wala pa kasi so far ngayon tahimik naman ang CPDRC,” he said.

On the other hand, Davide clarified that Audesti Miguel is now acting warden of CPDRC while the former warden, Roberto “bobby” Legaspi, sits as member of the CPDRC Task Force and is heading the Capitol’s Civil Security Unit.

“We're still looking for a warden.  I think a selection board is due,” Davide said. (FREEMAN)