May 10, 2024 - 17:45
By manilatimes.net

BuCor halts NBP strip-search procedure

AMID the strip-search controversy at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. has ordered a complete stoppage of cavity search procedures being implemented in all operating prisons and penal farms throughout the country.

This decision to halt the implementation of the controversial strip-search procedure came about after Catapang met with his officials on Friday.

In a statement, the BuCor chief also welcomed reports that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is planning to conduct a review of the BuCor's protocols and procedures.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr.

«If this will further improve our services to our stakeholders and the public, any technical assistance that the CHR may extend to us will be very welcome,» said Catapang.

He also disclosed that he sent a letter to the Focal Commissioner for Prevention Commission on Human Rights, Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, to assure her that BuCor upholds human rights.

Catapang said that strip searches on visitors of PDLs are carried out in private cubicles by same-gender searchers following standards of hygiene and sanitation.

Search procedures, he said, are fully explained to the would-be visitor before any bodily search is done.

Catapang said the contents of the waiver of right to be searched are explained to the visitors where they sign to signify their willingness to be bodily searched.

«Should a visitor refuse to undergo the search procedure, such visitor may opt to avail of our electronic visits or the „e-dalaw.“ Visitors are not compelled to sign the waiver. Minors are not subjected to strip searches,» he said.

He also informed Commissioner Dumarpa that relative to body cavity searches being conducted, BuCor has uncovered 19 positive results from the genital part of PDL visitors consisting of four incidents/confiscations of illegal drugs and 15 incidents/confiscations of other contrabands.

As to the complaint of two spouses of PDLs, Maricel Alcántara and Gloria Almonte, which stemmed from the incident that transpired on April 21, 2024, Catapang told Dumarpa that the lady searchers were relieved of