As of September 7, 2026, the Mountain Province Provincial Jail houses a total of 78 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)—72 men and 6 women.

According to jail and police authorities, the vast majority of these detentions stem from three major offenses: rape (24 cases), drug-related offenses (19 cases), and murder (18 cases).

Here are the key takeaways on crime incidents shared during the September 7 Civil Service Commission Kapihan held at the Multi-purpose Building stage:

1. High Number of Rape Cases

Jail Chief Inspector John S. Melecio shared that the municipality of Bauko currently logs the highest number of rape cases in the province. However, Melecio clarified that most of the suspects are not native residents of Bauko. Instead, many are migrant workers who moved to the municipality to work in the local agricultural and garden sectors.

To combat this, the local police force is ramping up defensive measures. Police Captain Peter Apangcay (Assistant Chief & Information Officer of PCADU) stated that they are conducting intensive information campaigns in schools and community assemblies regarding the Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) law. This includes teaching young children the “bawal na touch” (no-touch) rule to raise early awareness. Police are also conducting routine road and business patrols and have requested copies of local ordinances from Municipal LGUs to strictly enforce community laws. Apangcay further says to call on police assistance at any time they are needed. 

2. Shift in the Local Drug Landscape

With 19 ongoing drug cases, authorities are warning the public about a shift in how illegal drugs enter the province. In previous years, most drug arrests were “drugs in transit“—meaning suspects were just passing through Mountain Province when they were caught. Today, police are strictly monitoring communities due to reported cases of actual sales, possession, and use of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) within the province. Inspector Melecio reminded the public that a single drug arrest can lead to three separate charges: pushing, illegal possession, and actual drug use.

3. The Urgent Need for a “Bahay Pag-asa”

The provincial jail currently holds minor offenders (aged 17 and below) in a specialized, separate section of the compound to keep them away from regular adult jail cells. However, Inspector Melecio lamented that Mountain Province still lacks a functional “Bahay Pag-asa.”

Under Republic Act No. 9344 (amended by RA 10630), every province is mandated to establish a Bahay Pag-asa. Run by local government units, these 24-hour child-caring institutions focus on “restorative justice” rather than punishment. They provide education and counseling to rehabilitate youth offenders—who are often victims of poverty or exploitation—so they can safely reintegrate into society.

Acknowledging this gap, local provincial officials led by Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. and Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. have pledged to the BJMP, to seek the necessary budget to finally fund and construct a dedicated Bahay Pag-asa for the youth of Mountain Province.

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