BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

At around 9 in the morning, personnel from the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm and the Baguio City Police Office entered 16 cells for a Greyhound Operation.

Their goal was to inspect every corner of the facility to ensure no contraband was smuggled inside.

For “Med,” a 25-year-old person deprived of liberty (PDL), this effort is reassuring, “This is for our safety, to prevent drugs from getting in, and to help us learn and improve before we’re released.”

‘Gee’ mentioned, “This ensures our safety because of the Greyhound and search operations.”

After over an hour of inspection, no major contraband was found, only nuisance items like toothbrushes and nails used for livelihood activities.

For decades, Greyhound operations have been conducted regularly, and authorities aim to maintain this practice.

According to JCI Insp. John Wayland Lapon, Warden of the Baguio City Jail, Male Dorm, “This is a requirement to maintain our drug-free facility standard. The items confiscated were nuisance contraband, mostly used for livelihood.”

Currently, the jail houses 259 PDLs, 65% of whom face drug-related cases.

“There are repeat offenders who return for drug-related charges, even while in jail,” Lapon added.

To prevent smuggling, authorities continue to enforce stricter inspections of visitors entering the facility.