BuCor exec resigns, cites pending probe on alleged drug ties

MANILA, Philippines — A high-ranking Bureau of Corrections officer has resigned, claiming he was asked to take a leave due to a pending investigation into his alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison illegal drug trade.

 

In a text message to reporters, BuCor Deputy Director Rolando Asuncion said that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had asked him to take a leave. He said the message was relayed through BuCor Director Benjamin Delos Santos, due to a pending investigation.

 

"Patong daw po ako sa illegal activities ng Station Anti-Illegal Drug ng Muntinlupa Police," Asuncion said in a text.

 

He added that he allegedly received cars from a drug inmate in Bilibid.

 

"Ayaw ko po na lalo nila akong siraan pag nagpatuloy pa ako sa BuCor kaya minabuti ko pong mag-resign," Asuncion, who disputed the allegations, continued.

 

 

In a cover letter addressed to Aguirre, Asuncion said that he is willing to be investigated, but decided to resign instead due to the possibility of a rift that might develop between Aguirre and Delos Santos. The resignation letter itself, which was addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, was not released to media.

 

"I would like you to know, sir, that I will leave BuCor with a clear conscience," Asuncion wrote.

 

Asuncion added that he considered it an honor to have been entrusted with helping run the Corrections bureau.

 

Aguirre meanwhile, denied that Asuncion was under investigation.

 

"As of this moment, there is no pending investigation against Deputy Director Asuncion," Aguirre said in a text message to reporters.

 

He added that the DOJ just received a copy of the resignation, but said that it is the Office of the President that will decide on whether or not to accept it.

 

Asuncion was deputy director for operations from July 19, 2016 and was officer-in-charge of the bureau until Delos Santos was appointed director last November.