Butuan BJMP’s Oplan Baklas yields 1 ton of prohibited items
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The ‘Oplan Baklas’ of the city’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has seized a ton of items prohibited inside the agency’s facility.
Jail Chief Inspector Diovin C. Auza, also the city jail warden of Butuan City Jail Male Dormitory (BCJMD), said, “We were able to confiscate an estimated one ton of nuisance contraband during the month-long conduct of Oplan Baklas, which aims to prevent the entry and circulation of prohibited and unauthorized items inside the facility.”
Chief Inspector Auza announced the achievement at the Oplan Baklas culminating activity held on Jan. 5.
“Oplan Baklas is a preventive operation of the BJMP designed to maintain cleanliness, order, and discipline inside jail facilities,” he added.
Auza reported that BCJMD currently houses 435 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and is operating at a 119-percent congestion rate. He expressed hope that the continuous implementation of Oplan Baklas will help ease congestion and improve the living conditions of PDLs.
He also shared that BCJMD will conduct semestral Oplan Baklas operations as part of its key strategies to decongest cells and common areas that accumulate excessive personal belongings due to overcrowding.
Jail Officer Alamm L. Acompañado of BCJMD said, Oplan Baklas differs from regular ‘oplan greyhound’, which focuses on seizing illegal or dangerous drugs and items. Oplan Baklas, specifically, targets nuisance contraband or prohibited items.
“During the operation, we confiscated from PDLs items that are not illegal but unauthorized, such as excessive blankets, pillows, makeshift structures, and belongings left behind by released PDLs. Inside the facility, personal items are regulated to avoid excessiveness that may cause congestion and to maintain cleanliness.’
The BJMP emphasized its continued commitment to vigilance, discipline, and strict adherence to jail policies, ensuring a safe and orderly environment for both jail personnel and PDLs. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from BCJMD)
