Manila – The House of Representatives in the Philippines has passed House Bill 9153 on its second reading. The bill aims to curb the proliferation of contraband, particularly illegal drugs, in prisons and other custodial and detention facilities.
According to Philippines News Agency, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, the bill's passage is essential for imposing appropriate penalties on individuals and syndicates engaging in illegal activities within these facilities. HB 9153, titled 'An Act Mandating all Correctional, Custodial and Detention Facilities to Implement a Contraband Detection and Control System', intends to prevent drug lords and criminals from conducting illegal operations from within prison walls.
Barbers, a principal author of the bill, stated that it mandates all government agencies and local government units operating correctional, custodial, or detention facilities to establish a Contraband Detection and Control System (CDCS). This system includes handheld and walk-through metal detectors, X-ray scanners, K-9 units, and other modern technologies and devices.
The bill covers facilities operated by the Bureau of Corrections, provincial governments, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and others. It defines contraband as any prohibited object or one that could endanger safety or security.
HB 9153 proposes severe penalties for those introducing, conveying, or possessing dangerous drugs, firearms, and explosives in prison facilities. Penalties include imprisonment of 20 years to 40 years and fines ranging from PHP5 million to PHP10 million. Possession of other contrabands will carry imprisonment of six years to 12 years and fines between PHP1 million and PHP5 million. Public officials and employees violating the bill's provisions will face perpetual disqualification from public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits and accrued leave credits.