Koronadal City | October 16, 2025 — The South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) continues its rigorous reforms under the leadership of Warden Ret. PLtCol. Barney P. Condes, following consecutive operations that uncovered contraband items and confirmed cases of drug use among some Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
Authorities recently confiscated more than ten gadgets, bladed weapons, and other contraband materials during a greyhound operation inside the facility. The items were discovered hidden inside a steel cabinet previously assigned to a relieved officer.
Warden Condes described the discovery as a “serious breach of security” but emphasized that the new administration is now taking comprehensive steps to restore discipline and integrity within the facility.
“We were surprised to find assorted gadgets and bladed weapons that were not surrendered by the said guard. This prompted us to reassess our internal security and strengthen our monitoring system,” Condes stated.
Further inspection of the confiscated gadgets revealed sensitive information possibly linked to the recent escape of a PDL.
Condes noted that this indicated not just lapses in security but potential acts of sabotage from individuals resisting the reforms being introduced.
Despite these challenges, Condes assured that the provincial government and the SCRDC leadership are working closely to address the situation. “We will not tolerate any irregularities.
We are determined to cleanse the system and rebuild public trust,” he said.
In a separate but related operation, a surprise drug test conducted on October 14 resulted in eleven PDLs testing positive for drug use.
Authorities confirmed that the drugs were remnants of supplies smuggled into the facility long before the new administration assumed leadership.
“Based on our investigation, these inmates were using old drug stocks that had been hidden inside the facility for some time. No new illegal drugs have entered since we implemented our strengthened security protocols,” Condes clarified.
The eleven PDLs were immediately isolated and are facing disciplinary actions, including restriction of movement and suspension of privileges.
Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation aims to identify the full network of individuals involved, both inside and outside the facility.
Warden Condes assured that these incidents only strengthened his resolve to implement long-term reforms that promote rehabilitation and accountability.
“I may have inherited a facility shaken by anomalies, but under my leadership, order and discipline will prevail — for the good of the PDLs, the personnel, and the community that trusts us,” he declared.
He also appealed to the families of inmates and the public to continue supporting the government’s rehabilitation efforts.
“Let us all be law-abiding. To the PDLs, discipline and obedience are keys so that when you return to society, you bring with you not rebellion but reform,” Condes emphasized.
Provincial officials expressed their full support for Condes’s leadership, affirming that the provincial government remains committed to maintaining peace, transparency, and reform in all correctional institutions under its watch.
