Installation of signal jammers in BJMP-run jails pushed

Local

CEBU CITY officials are pushing for the installation of stronger and wider-range cellphone signal jammers across all Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-manned facilities.

This amid the rising cases of smuggled cellphones, drugs, and other contraband items inside local jails.

In a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 28, Atty. Dennis Aliño of the BJMP-7 Legal Office said contraband smuggling remains one of the “root causes of systemic problems” in city jails, a situation that continues to compromise security and rehabilitation efforts inside detention facilities.

“Jails are intended to be places of reformation and development programs for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). However, the presence of contraband like illegal drugs, cell phones, alcohol, and cigarettes seriously threatens its security,” Aliño said.

He added that while jail authorities regularly conduct inspections and anti-drug operations, their resources are “insufficient against the persistent and repeated illegal entry” of prohibited items.

At present, there are about 6,000 inmates detained across three BJMP-run facilities in Cebu City, the male dormitory, its annex, and the female dormitory.

Aliño said that 80 percent of the jail population faces drug-related charges, many of whom continue illegal operations from behind bars using smuggled cellphones.

BJMP records from 2019 to the present show that 27 cellphones, 25 chargers, and 10 headsets were intercepted from 10 visitors attempting to sneak them inside the Cebu City Jail male dormitory through various concealment methods.

Aliño said several more phones were confiscated during internal “greyhound operations,” proof that some items manage to slip through inspection and reach inmates.

“From 2020 to present, a total of 37 cellular phones were confiscated inside the facility. We admit that stopping this is difficult, but it has to be done,” he said.

Violators caught attempting to smuggle items are usually banned from visitation, while involved inmates lose privileges such as visiting rights or good conduct time allowances. Those caught with illegal drugs are charged under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

During the hearing, Councilor Franklyn Ong raised concerns about the continued use of mobile phones by inmates, saying this allows illegal activities to persist even beyond the jail walls.

“It’s very difficult to control the phones. Some of these inmates continue to operate in the barangays through their cellphones. We need to cut their connections to the outside world,” Ong said.

He urged the city government to allocate funds for high-powered jamming technology to block all unauthorized calls and data signals from inside the jails.

Aliño confirmed that the Cebu City Jail already has a jammer installed, but its range is limited and cannot cover the entire facility.

“We do have a jammer in the male dorm, but the challenge is that it has very limited frequency,” he said.

Councilor Philip Zafra, who authored the proposed “Anti-Contraband Cebu City Jail Ordinance,” said the measure aims to give the city a stronger legal basis to penalize contraband smuggling.

“This has been a long-standing problem. Ideally, Congress should address this nationally, but since no law has been passed, we are acting on it at the city level,” Zafra said.

Zafra’s proposed ordinance prohibits the entry, use, and possession of all forms of contraband inside BJMP facilities, including cellphones, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and illegal drugs.

Violators face fines of ₱1,500 to ₱5,000 and possible imprisonment for up to six months, depending on the number of offenses.

Councilor Jun Alcover likewise backed the move for wider phone-jammer coverage, describing it as a critical deterrent.

“It’s useless to pass an ordinance if we can’t implement it. We all know that some items can only get through if there’s a syndicate or collusion involved. There are even reports of bribes reaching ₱50,000 just to sneak in items,” Alcover said.

Aliño admitted that there have been cases where jail guards were caught facilitating the entry of contraband. One personnel in Mandaue City is currently facing dismissal after allegedly smuggling tobacco inside the jail.

Aside from electronic devices, Aliño noted that cigarettes are also considered contraband in BJMP jails due to the severe overcrowding that worsens health risks among inmates.

“Our inmates sleep like sardines. Secondhand smoke increases cases of tuberculosis and hepatitis. Cigarettes pose a serious public health problem,” he said.

The Cebu City Jail currently holds 4,400 inmates under the watch of only 186 personnel, 92 of whom are custodial officers.

“Managing 4,000 PDLs with just 92 custodial staff is a daily challenge,” Aliño said.

The Cebu City Council vowed to finalize the ordinance and explore funding options for comprehensive signal jammers in all BJMP facilities to curb the continued smuggling and illegal communications among inmates.

“This is not easy, but we have to do it. The goal is to make sure no inmate can communicate outside unless under official supervision,” Ong said.

Aliño, meanwhile, said the BJMP welcomes the local government’s support and legislative action.

“A combined approach of strong deterrent policies, security technologies, and accountability for jail staff is essential. We believe this ordinance, with its prescribed penalties, will greatly help accomplish that purpose,” he said.(TGP)