Cebu’s suspected no. 1 drug lord placed in isolation, tight security in provincial jail

Alvaro’s detention cell is good for 28 inmates, but no one, except his lawyer Jonah John Ungab, would be allowed to visit him, at least in the next 30 days. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

CEBU CITY – Cebu’s suspected number one drug lord Alvaro “Barok” Alvaro, who surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier this week, has been placed in solitary confinement at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

Marco Toral, Cebu Capitol consultant on jail management who oversees the operation of the province-run CPDRC, said Alvaro was considered a high risk inmate after he started spilling the beans on what the NBI described as a major drug syndicate operating in and out of Cebu.

“We consider him a high risk inmate due to the nature of his case. We need to isolate him,” said Toral.

Alvaro was detained at the CPDRC on Thursday after a judge signed his commitment order. He surrendered to the NBI in Bohol on Tuesday.

Toral said even law enforcers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the NBI could not get near him without going through the necessary security checks.

Toral said the window in his isolation cell was likewise covered to ensure that a sniper or anyone cannot hit him from the outside.

Alvaro’s detention cell is good for 28 inmates, but no one, except his lawyer Jonah John Ungab, would be allowed to visit him, at least in the next 30 days.

But even Ungab would be allowed to confer with Alvaro only at the jail’s administrative office, Toral said.

He said the number one drug personality in Cebu Province will also be constantly monitored through a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera.

Alvaro’s detention cell, located at the female ward of CPDRC and near the office of Toral, is secured by at least three jail guards, including a former member of the Philippine Marines, who will take turns in guarding outside his cell round the clock.

The guards will stay in front of the cell and no other inmates will be allowed to go near his cell.

Alvaro will not also be allowed to go outside his cell which will remain padlocked all the time, unlike other prisoners who can exercise and enjoy sunning at the quadrangle.

His cell has a comfort room. A pail is also provided for taking a bath. He will be provided with a blanket and mat for his bed made of plywood.

Alvaro will be given food similar to the food ration given to inmates, but it will be delivered to his cell. No food from the outside will be allowed.