12 CPDRC workers face preventive suspension

CEBU, Philippines — Twelve personnel of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) were placed under one month preventive suspension starting last week because of confidential reports reaching the governor about the continued smuggling of contrabands into the jail facility.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said these personnel will be facing administrative investigation either for negligence of duty or misconduct.

“There are some CPDRC personnel who are involved in the commission of acts prejudicial to the interest of the provincial government which may constitute to misconduct or neglect of duty,” Davide explained.

CPDRC Assistant Warden Audesti Miguel identified the 10 suspended jail guards and admin staff as Fe Dabuco, Ludivina Briones, Mark Along, Lenjie Grondiano, Rafael Espina, Julius Genimelo, Glen Velozo, Joshua Barriga, Jessie Castanares, Vince Rosales, Edison Ferater, and Joel Teves.

The 12 were ordered not to report for duty starting October 13. Along and Grondiano were previously meted with one-day suspension after they were found guilty of simple misconduct.

Davide said that even before he and the members of the Committee on Discipline and Investigation(CODI) believe that the contrabands cannot get inside the jail facility without the aid ofa CPDRC personnel.

During several greyhound operations, contrabands like drugs, gadgets, cash and other prohibited items were seized from the inmates’ quarters.

“Di gyud na makasulod ang contrabands kung walay motabang na guards,” said Davide.

Except for Grondiano and Along, however, the other personnel will still receive their benefits since their suspension are only preventive unless they are found guilty. Along and Grondiano were previously convicted of simple misconduct and forfeited their benefits.

At present, CPDRC has been working on the shifting of their remaining jail guards and watchmen.

Davide also requested the police to augment the security of the provincial jail. (FREEMAN)