Davide creates task force to probe CPDRC issues

DAVIDE

CEBU Gov. Hilario Davide III has formed a task force to look into the alleged illegal activities inside the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) which had been reported in the past few weeks.

In an executive order (EO) that he signed, Davide said he also would want the task force to finish their mission and submit recommendations to his office in 30 days.

“With the resignations of the Provincial government’s consultant on jail matters and the acting warden of the CPDRC, there is clearly an urgent and compelling need to thoroughly review and improve the administration and management of the CPDRC and discipline personnel found to be remiss in their duties and responsibilities,” Davide said in the EO.

The task force will create a transition team that will review, audit and assess the current state of the CPDRC, its system, processes, procedures, personnel, policies and overall management and administration. It will also conduct fact-finding investigations on the recent incidents inside the CPDRC.

Over the past two months, contraband has been confiscated inside the facility, including cellphones and a laptop from a German national believed to have continued operating his cyberpornography business inside the jail. Aside from that, an inmate was able to escape from the jail while disguised as a visitor.

The task force will have to recommend measures to improve CPDRC’s security measures to prevent the entry, sale or use of illegal drugs and other contraband, escapes, corruption and other illegal activities within the facility.

It will also “explore the possibility of turning over the management and administration of the CPDRC to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Davide is the chairperson of the task force.