Guevarra: Revocation of inmates' privileges temporary
MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon’s order to revoke privileges of thousands of inmates nationwide is just temporary, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday.
A GMA report said that Faeldon has revoked the privileges of over 45,000 inmates due to the entry of contraband items inside the penitentiary across the country.
The privileges include visitations and recreational activities.
According to the report, Faeldon was dismayed because he already met with prison leaders on putting a halt on their illegal activities.
Guevarra on Wednesday told reporters in a text message that while he was not advised earlier on Faeldon’s action he believes the BuCor chief “had good reasons for its immediate implementation.”
“I also believe that these measures are temporary in character, as the BuCor intensifies its campaign to rid our prison facilities of illegal drug activities,” the justice chief added.
Earlier this week, Guevarra directed BuCor and the National Bureau of Investigation—both attached agencies under the Department of Justice—to look into the reported illegal drug trade run by an inmate identified as Rusico Ygot.
The STAR reported that cops conducted a raid in Cebu that yielded 28 kilos of shabu with a street value of P190 million.
Police also said Ygot was giving instructions through the internet from prison to his girlfriend, Jocelyn Encilla.
Central Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas earlier asked Faeldon to put Ygot in solitary confinement and strip him off gadgets.
This is not the first time that contraband has been found inside the walls of New Bilibid Prison, nor is it the first time that police said an inmate is running a crime syndicate.
Sen. Leila de Lima is accused of having a hand in the proliferation of drug trade inside the national penitentiary during her stint as justice secretary. She is facing three drug-related charges before Muntinlupa courts.
Authorities, in July last year, also said that Bilibid inmate Tyrone dela Cruz served as the mastermind in the kidnapping of a steel trading firm owner.
The DOJ and the NBI has also conducted anti-illegal drug operations inside Bilibid. — Kristine Joy Patag
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