The chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, has expressed his approval of the recent passage of a bill that aims to address the issue of contraband being smuggled into detention facilities in the country. The bill, known as the “Contraband Detection and Control System Act” or House Bill (HB) 6126, will require all prison and detention facilities to implement stringent measures to prevent the entry of mobile phones, illegal drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items.
Barbers emphasized the need for extensive contraband interdiction procedures, which will involve the use of modern detection devices, units, and technologies. These measures aim to significantly reduce the flow of contraband into penal institutions across the country. Currently, during surprise jail inspections or operations such as “Oplan Galugad,” prison guards are often found to be responsible for the presence of drugs, mobile phones, knives, guns, and other illegal items within the facilities.
Barbers cited a recent “Oplan Galugad” conducted by the Bureau of Corrections, which resulted in the seizure of thousands of cans of beer and methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) from the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter control over contraband in prisons.
In addition to the smuggling of drugs and other contraband, Barbers also mentioned the alarming case of radio broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa’s murder. The investigation revealed that an inmate in the New Bilibid Prison was able to hire gunmen from outside the facility to carry out the crime. This incident further underscores the gravity of the problem and the potential dangers posed by the presence of contraband in prisons.
Barbers emphasized that the proliferation of contraband in prisons has become a “perennial problem” that needs to be urgently addressed. He highlighted that the current situation in correctional institutions contradicts the fundamental principles of the criminal justice system, which aims to punish, reform, and rehabilitate offenders for their crimes.
The bill proposes severe penalties for individuals involved in the introduction or possession of dangerous drugs and deadly weapons within prison facilities. Offenders may face capital punishment or up to 40 years of imprisonment, along with a fine of P5 million. The bill also addresses the introduction or possession of other types of contraband, which would be punishable by imprisonment ranging from six years and one day to 12 years, in addition to a fine of P1 million.
The passage of the “Contraband Detection and Control System Act” is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of detention facilities in the country. By implementing stringent measures and utilizing modern detection technologies, the bill aims to curb the entry of prohibited items, thus promoting a safer environment for both inmates and prison staff.
The introduction of this legislation serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of the criminal justice system and safeguarding the welfare of those within the penal system. It is hoped that the implementation of the bill will lead to a substantial reduction in the smuggling of contraband and help restore the integrity of the correctional system.
Source: The Manila Times
