Inmates are getting creative in sneaking in and hiding cell phones which is prohibited inside the national penitentiary. But their creativity was no match to the rigid scrutiny of law enforcement agencies.

A composite team from the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, PNP Crime Laboratory, Bureau of Corrections and NBP conducted a clearing operation yesterday – the fifth under the “Oplan Digmaang Droga” at the Quadrant 3 of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) at 7 a.m. where 5,729 prisoners are detained.

After six hours, SAF spokesperson Police Senior Insp. Jonalyn Malnat told Manila Bulletin said the team confiscated one sachet of suspected shabu, 663 bladed and pointed weapons, 246 batons, 96 cell phones, 132 chargers, 32 SIM cards, 64 extra cell phone batteries, 51 headsets, six portable Wi-Fi routers, 10 tooters, 58 lighters, a laptop, pieces of jewelry, passport, 10 LPG tanks and P18,000 in cash.

“The cell phones were really hidden. Some prisoners put the cell phones in lunch boxes and plastic bags and hid them in the garden or underground,” she said. “Ginagawan nila ng paraan para maitago ang mga kontrabando (They try to be creative in hiding these contrabands)”

For one, Malnat said the sides of an icebox was carved out to hide two cell phones, a Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth headset. The insoles of slippers were also carved out to hide a cell phone and a charger.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre earlier revealed the cell phone is the most precious commodity in the state prison because they are used by convicted drug lords inside NBP to contact their cohorts outside prison to make drug deals.

Yesterday, Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. of Albuera, Leyte who surrendered to PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said his son, Kerwin gets his shabu supply from Peter Co, a convicted drug lord detained at the NBP. President Duterte gave the Albueras 24 hours to surrender after they were linked to the illegal drug trade. Kerwin remains at large and police authorities have orders to shoot him on sight.

Incoming Bureau of Corrections Director retired Marine Major Gen. Alexander Balutan said his main goal is to cut off the means of communications of drug lords at the NBP and is satisfied with what the SAF has done so far.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Jonathan M. Hicap

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