THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) yesterday relieved seven officers who are under investigation for “abusive” strip searches on female visitors of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.
In a statement, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. identified the relieved officers as Correction Officers 1 Karen Soriano, Kiera Iket, Odesa Etong, Ahmor Darasin, Guada Bello, Melowyne Tallongan, and Angelique Domingo.
They will be placed under “attached/unassigned” status at the NBP Superintendent’s Office after the relief order signed by Corrections Chief Inspector Ruben Formoso.
“The investigation on the seven corrections officers will focus on how they conducted their strip search, whether they violated protocol on the conduct of strip search being implemented by the bureau,” Formoso said
Catapang earlier said that strip search is being strictly implemented “without exception” in all prison facilities amid the increasing number of visitors caught sneaking in contraband concealed in their private parts.
“In the absence of body scanners, we have to do it manually in the meantime that we are looking for budget to avail (of) this very sophisticated machine for security screening purposes and to do away with physically removing the person’s clothes or making any physical contact,” he said.
In separate statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla assured assured the public that prison guards proven guilty of abuse will not be tolerated.
“We condemn any form of degrading or inhumane treatment, as we strive to maintain safe, secure, and dignified prison environments,” Remulla said.
The Secretary said the DOJ is compliant with international standards and guidelines governing body searches.
The department follows protocols outlined in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which emphasize the importance of conducting searches with respect for individuals’ dignity and privacy, he said.
Additionally, the proper conduct of physical searches by prison personnel is clearly outlined in the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Operating Manual, which details the procedures for conducting searches and outlines the consequences for anyone found in possession of illegal items. (PNA/GP)
