Major Contraband Haul in Surprise Prison Raid
In a decisive move to cleanse the facility, a joint force from the Cebu Police Provincial Office, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7, and other police units conducted a surprise Oplan Galugad (Operation Greyhound) at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC). The operation, which took place on November 27, 2025, targeted contraband items secretly held by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Weapons and Phones Found in Cells
The authorities uncovered a significant cache of forbidden items hidden within the prison cells. The seized contraband included 104 cellular phones with chargers, as well as an assortment of sharp weapons. Among the dangerous items confiscated were improvised knives and a metal saw, highlighting serious security breaches within the detention center.
Retired Police Superintendent Felipe Montejo, the Warden of CPDRC, expressed his frustration, stating that despite their strict protocols, prohibited objects still manage to slip through. He emphasized that contraband, especially cellphones, is strictly forbidden because the facility already provides an E-Tawag system for PDLs to contact their families lawfully.
Deepening Investigation and Security Crackdown
Following the discovery, CPDRC is deepening its investigation in collaboration with the police and PDEA to identify the individuals responsible for smuggling these items. The facility, which houses 993 PDLs, including more than 80 women, is now tightening its monitoring procedures.
Warden Montejo stressed the importance of eliminating contraband, as these items can be used by inmates to facilitate illegal activities from behind bars. "We expect that there should be no contraband so we can maintain order and peace here in our facility," Montejo stated.
Investigation Agent III Jonar Cuayzon, the Acting Provincial Officer of PDEA 7 Cebu, clarified that the goal of Oplan Galugad is to purify jail facilities. He explained that the rehabilitation of PDLs is compromised if they can use cellphones to contact their external connections, which are often relied upon to orchestrate the flow of illegal drugs.
As a result of the raid, CPDRC will intensify its monitoring of all visitors and personnel to determine if anyone is acting as a conduit for smuggled goods.
