Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — After hundreds of personnel of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) were replaced, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. said there are still some who remain problematic, and are even discovering ways to escape his supervision.
“Ang problema dito hindi lamang PDL (persons deprived of liberty), pati mga tao ko na in-inherit talagang ang titigas ng ulo,” Catapang told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Friday.
[Translation: The PDLs are not the only problem here, but also the people I inherited who are really stubbon.]
He shared that there are instances when an NBP guard would tamper with the CCTV so whatever is being done could not be be caught on camera.
Instilling change among personnel also continues to be a challenge because if one is put under floating status, Catapang said they can just wait for him to be replaced as BuCor chief since they cannot be immediately dismissed.
“Ang scapegoat nila civil service eh,” he explained. “Kung sa military lang ito discharge from the service lahat ito eh hindi po eh wala po akong powers na ganon. They have to be investigated, they go through the process, ang tagal.“
[Translation: Their scapegoat is civil service. If this is the military, they will all be discharged from the service but I don’t have such powers. They have to be investigated, they go through the process, it takes time.]
So far, about 10 were dismissed due to dishonorable service.
Catapang said they are now retraining the involved personnel. After completing the training, they will be redeployed to their posts.
If they continue their illegal actions, the BuCor chief said he will recommend their dismissal.
Catapang also said he is willing to personally monitor his people if the need arises.
