Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. issued a warning against groups within the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) if they still do not cooperate in eliminating contraband in the national penitentiary.
“Either you surrender or I will go on galugad (search operations) 24 hours unannounced,” he told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Friday.
In a hearing at the House of Representatives on Thursday, lawmakers grilled BuCor officials over corrupt activities in the NBP.
It includes allowing the entry of prohibited items like a billiard table, karaoke machines, and a mahjong table for inmates’ use.
Catapang said they were allowed only for recreation “for purpose of doing something,” but some inmates have used them for betting that led to conflicts.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin \”Boying\” Remulla said NBP personnel should also be investigated as many of the prison staff have “big businesses” inside the correctional facility.
“Marami kasing dating gawi na kinaugalian ng mga empleyado at alam naman natin na hindi naman santo ang mga naririto,” Remulla said.
“Marami talagang sanay talagang kumita na halang na halang ang bituka, kumita sa bawat paraan na meron, kaya ang pagkita ng pera sa loob ng Bilibid ay isang industriya na ng mga tao na marami sa kanila ay mga empleyado mismo ng Bilibid,” he added.
[Translation: There are many old habits practiced by the employees and we know that people here are not saints. Many are really good at making money, making money in every possible way. So making money inside Bilibid is an industry of people and many of whom are employees of Bilibid themselves.]
The Justice secretary said erring personnel caught by the investigation would be transferred to distant places with less responsibility.
Remulla also said they might look into the Civil Service, pointing out that many of the staff may not be equipped with skills needed to stand guard for NBP.
“Kasi marami talagang hindi talaga angkop ang kanilang kaalaman at kinasanayan, kinaugalian at kakayanan sa pagbabantay ng isang napaka sensitibnong pwesto kung saan nais nating patinuin ang lahat,\” he pointed out. \”Ngunit lalong napapasama dahil sa mga naging ugali na noong araw pa.\”
[Translation: There are many of them whose knowledge and habits, customs and abilities are not suitable to guard a very sensitive place where we want to straighten everyone out. But it’s getting worse because of the habits that have been built in the past.]
In a recent greyhound operation, authorities also confiscated cell phones and other contraband in the prison facility, the BuCor official said.
Inmates have also discovered their own way of producing alcoholic beverages using yeast, he noted.
If the inmates cooperate with authorities, Catapang said he will work on getting them out of jail as soon as they serve their minimum sentence.
