Three persons, including a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and the son of a former corrections officer, have been arrested for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities inside the government quarters of the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) identified those arrested on May 15 as Jawewe Sakaluran Halil, a PDL housed at the minimum-security facility; Louie Ocampo, the son of a former corrections officer; and his wife, Fatima Madjid.
RH Jecelle Ricafort reported that the father of the arrested suspect had already left government service as early as March of the previous year.
SRPPF Superintendent C/SSupt. Daisy Sevilla Castillote reported receiving intelligence from an informant that PDLs had been visiting a store operated by the couple inside the prison reservation.
BuCor stated that the individuals had no authorization to reside inside the prison reservation, violating the agency’s housing policy. Castillote added that a notice to vacate was issued to them on April 15.
On the morning of May 15, three PDLs from the minimum-security compound were observed in the vicinity, but only two made their way into the store.
Prison officers conducted an inspection, during which three sachets of suspected shabu were recovered. Halil reportedly confessed that he had bought the illegal drugs from the couple’s store inside the prison reservation.
In response, Castillote promptly ordered a K9-assisted search of the store, which resulted in the seizure of four sachets of suspected shabu, 30 aluminum foil strips, six lighters, three improvised spatulas, and a pack of transparent plastic.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. directed Castillote to conduct a thorough investigation and to ensure that government quarters are not used for any illicit activities.
