Anti-smuggling measure at Mandaue jail beefed up

To strengthen the enforcement of jail rules, the Mandaue City Council is crafting an ordinance that seeks to prohibit any person from sneaking in, using, or possessing unauthorized mobile phones and other electronic communication devices inside the city's jail facilities.

- Kristin de Dios/JG

Anyone caught violating this ordinance will face corresponding penalties.

In the draft ordinance authored by Councilor Oscar del Castillo, the measure seeks to prevent and eliminate the dangers posed by individuals sneaking in, using, or possessing unauthorized mobile phones or electronic communication devices, which may be used to intimidate or threaten witnesses, orchestrate crimes, coordinate escapes, bribe jail officers, order retaliation against other inmates, communicate with fellow detainees, access the internet, and cause security breaches.

The ordinance was passed by the Mandaue City Council on first reading on Monday, June 9.

Once enacted, it will prohibit any person from willfully smuggling, carrying, using, or attempting to sneak in, carry, or use—either directly or through others—any mobile phone or electronic communication device of any kind inside the jail facility.

These items will be classified as contraband and shall be strictly prohibited within the jail facility, the proposed measure stated.

It will be declared unlawful for any person to sneak in, use, or carry mobile phones or other electronic communication devices inside the jail facility, except in areas specifically designated or authorized by the Jail Management and relevant law enforcement agencies or government institutions.