Human Rights Group Challenges Drug Seizure Claims at Negros Occidental Jail

Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) have issued a statement disputing recent claims made by jail authorities regarding the seizure of illegal drugs at the Negros Occidental District Jail – Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) on November 20. HRAN alleges that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is using these accusations against Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from ongoing grievances directed at the jail administration.

The group recalled that on August 28, inmates initiated a noise barrage demanding the removal of Jail Warden JSupt. Atty. Crisyrel Awe. Although the warden temporarily relinquished his post following the protest, he was reinstated after a subsequent investigation.

HRAN expressed strong skepticism towards the drug seizure allegations, arguing that security protocols were significantly tightened since the noise barrage incident. "Since August, the NODJ has enforced strip and body cavity searches, procedures that are inhumane and degrading, requiring detainees to be completely nude upon entry," HRAN stated in an interview.

The organization emphasized that it is the BJMP's responsibility to secure the facility and prevent contraband from entering. They criticized the BJMP for shifting blame onto inmates rather than addressing potential institutional failings, calling such actions "irresponsible and unjust."

HRAN urged the BJMP to maintain transparency, accountability, and adherence to established standards including the 2015 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) and the BJMP Comprehensive Operations Manual 2015 Edition.

Confirming the incident, BJMP-Northern Iloilo Region spokesperson Atty. Juniven Umadhay reported that a two-day surprise greyhound operation on November 18 and 20 resulted in the confiscation of four sachets of suspected shabu and six mobile phones, including one iPhone. The operation followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of illegal drugs and contraband within the detention center.

However, Umadhay noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the individuals responsible for possessing the seized items.