Prison Official Not Named in Sablayan Prison Contraband Case
A prison official linked to the attempt to smuggle a large quantity of alcohol and tobacco into Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm was not mentioned in any official documents, including the approved permits, sources said. Therefore, the official should not be removed from his position, his lawyer insisted.
Among those relieved from their posts in connection with the incident were several prison officials, including CT/Inspector Edgar Laudencia, according to a July 10 statement issued by the Bureau of Corrections. However, documents reviewed by legal representatives show that Laudencia’s name does not appear in spot reports, permits, or the relief order related to the contraband attempt.
Details of the Sablayan Prison Contraband Incident
The incident occurred on July 2 when a dump truck carrying gravel and sand attempted to enter the prison facility. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a significant amount of contraband hidden within the materials. The gravel and sand were supposedly requested by a detainee to cover an old septic tank.
According to Atty. Jennifer Garcia-Laudencia, wife of the prison official, the permit allowing the dump truck to enter was not signed by her husband, CT/Inspector Edgar Laudencia. “In this permit, my husband’s name was never written,” she wrote in a letter addressed to BuCor chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang.
She further noted that individuals whose names do appear on the permit were not relieved or transferred for investigation, raising questions about the fairness of the personnel actions taken.
Absence of Official Records Naming the Official
Garcia-Laudencia also emphasized that her husband’s name does not appear in any reports filed by C/Insp. Abel Ciruela or the K9 handler involved in the case. These reports were cited as the basis for the order relieving personnel from their duties.
Concerns Over Trial by Publicity
The lawyer expressed concern over her husband’s public association with the case, stating that the release of his name in official statements has unjustly damaged his reputation. “Clearly from the foregoing, my husband’s name was not in any way involved in this controversy, yet his name was mentioned in the media, in the press release as one of those sacked from their post…Thereby, unduly discrediting his clean name and reputation,” she said.
She also called on officials to clear the name of CSO1 Richard Buenaflor, who was similarly relieved without a valid basis.
Call for Thorough Investigation
The lawyer urged BuCor leadership to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation to identify the real perpetrators behind the smuggling attempt at Sablayan Prison. In response, Assistant Secretary Al Perreras, Deputy Director General for Administration, confirmed that the matter has been forwarded to the Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation and is being prioritized.
He assured that the investigation will be conducted with fairness and independence, protecting the interests of all parties involved. “Please be informed that the timely and objective resolution of this investigation is of utmost importance to maintaining the integrity and upholding the rule of law within the Bureau,” Perreras added.
For more news and updates on Sablayan Prison contraband, visit Filipinokami.com.
