Law penalizing bringing banned items in jails ok'd

THE ordinance on penalizing the sneaking in, using, and carrying of prohibited items in jail and detention centers in the city had been approved on third and final reading by the Davao City Council during yesterday’s session, May 29.

Proposed under the committee on public safety chaired by Davao City Councilor Mabel Acosta, the ordinance targets to prevent any occurrence of death, riots, retaliation, orchestrated crimes, and bribing of the jail or detention center officials among others.

During the Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) press conference, Acosta said this had been a concern raised by the personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

“When they catch prohibited items being sneaked out in jail or the detention centers, they can only call the attention of those who brought it and not allow entrance. But they could not penalize. That’s what this ordinance is for,” she said.

The ordinance prohibits the sneaking in, using, and carrying of dangerous drugs and paraphernalia, bladed weapon, deadly weapons, firearm, ammunition, improvised explosive device, tobacco and e-cigarettes, alcoholic beverage, excessive cash, mobile phone, electronic devices, pornographic materials and gadgets, and gambling paraphernalia.

Private individuals who are caught violating this ordinance will be fined P5,000 and/or will be banned entry in the facility for six months for the first offense. For the second offense, the individual will be fined

P5,000 and will be banned entry in the facility for nine months. For the third offense, the offender will be fined P5,000 and will be banned entry in the facility for 12 months.

Same penalties apply for personnel of jail and detention centers who are caught violating the ordinance.

Meanwhile, minors who are caught will be processed following the provisions of RA 9344, as amended by RA 10630 or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.”

Confiscated prohibited items will be placed in the custody of the warden or authorized representative for safekeeping and will be further forfeited by appropriate government agencies.

The ordinance is expected to take effect 15 days after its approval.