A personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is being linked to the illegal drug trade after a suspect in a major anti-drug operation in Barangay Balantang, Iloilo City, claimed that their drug supply came from a BJMP officer.
The operation, conducted April 2, led to the confiscation of 350 grams of suspected shabu valued at P2.38 million and the arrest of two high-value individuals, identified as alias “Hazel,” 36, and alias “Nonoy,” 41.
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Col. Kim Legada confirmed that the suspects had been under surveillance for two months.
During questioning, one of the suspects alleged that their illegal drug supply was sourced from a BJMP personnel assigned at the Dumangas District Jail, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the claim.
The police official also noted that Wednesday’s operation was part of seven drug-related busts conducted that day, the highest number since he assumed office.
Legada added that the volume of drugs entering Iloilo City appears to have declined following the interception of 120 kilograms of shabu worth P816 million at the Calapan City port in Oriental Mindoro last month.
In a statement released by BJMP legal section chief, Lawyer Juniven Rey Umadhay said their personnel being alluded to is currently “on restricted status while reporting at the regional office.”
He said that Regional Director C/Supt. Simeon Dolojo Jr., immediately directed the regional investigation and prosecution division for an in-depth administrative investigation against the personnel.
“The BJMP Regional Office VI will not hesitate to terminate and dismiss any personnel, regardless of rank if ever they are found to be involved in any illegal activities. We will not condone and let these erring personnel to remain in our ranks,” Dolojo said in the statement.PNA
