Bureau of Corrections Ready for Investigation
MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) welcomes any investigation into its operations following calls by Fides Lim, spokesperson for the rights group Kapatid, for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Congress to probe what she describes as the bureau’s “authoritarian practices masquerading as ‘security policy.’” The four-word keyphrase “Bureau of Corrections open” is essential to understanding the ongoing debate about institutional transparency and security.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “We are not hiding anything and I can proudly say that BuCor is one of the most transparent agencies of this administration,” he said. He assured that the bureau stands ready to cooperate with oversight bodies to maintain openness in its operations.
Clarifying the Ban on Fides Lim
The Bureau of Corrections clarified that the permanent ban imposed on Lim does not target Kapatid’s mission or its right to support persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Instead, it is a necessary step to preserve order and security within correctional facilities. Catapang stated, “What we prohibited is an individual who refuses to follow established rules and regulations inside our corrections facilities, not the organization or the bringing of food or donations for persons deprived of liberty.”
According to Catapang, Lim’s alleged repeated misconduct posed risks to the stability and security of the correctional institutions. “When individuals repeatedly ignore security measures and challenge institutional authority, it creates an environment of disorder. This kind of behavior not only undermines the enforcement of rules but also heightens the chances of security breaches,” he added.
Details of the Ban and Calls for Further Inquiry
BuCor confirmed that Lim, wife of detained activist Vicente Ladlad, has been permanently banned from visiting prison camps since April 29 due to “repeated violations of corrections protocol and unruly behavior.” In response, Lim urged the DOJ to lift what she calls a “retaliatory ban” and to investigate BuCor’s conduct in handling visitors and humanitarian aid.
She also called on Congress to conduct a legislative inquiry into the bureau’s procedures, especially concerning the alleged lack of due process in banning visitors and the impounding of essential humanitarian supplies like food and basic necessities.
Specific Allegations Against BuCor
- Lack of due process in banning visitors and seizing humanitarian aid.
- Failure to adhere to human rights standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules).
- Misuse of public funds linked to discriminatory and inconsistent procedures harming PDLs’ rights and welfare.
- Retaliatory actions against humanitarian workers and whistleblowers.
Lim stressed the urgency of these investigations, saying, “While I urge the Department of Justice to lift this retaliatory ban and investigate BuCor’s actions, Congress must fulfill its oversight duty and launch a legislative inquiry, especially with budget hearings set to begin.”
For more news and updates on Bureau of Corrections open investigations, visit Filipinokami.com.
