CHR tells BuCor to improve jail management instead of canceling inmates’ privileges
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday called on the Bureau of Corrections to address problems in jail management instead of revoking the privileges of inmates.
According to a GMA News report, BuCor chief Director General Nicanor ordered the cancellation of privileges of over 45,000 inmates due to the entry of contraband items inside penitentiaries nationwide.
Visitations and recreational activities such a playing basketball will no longer be allowed. Seven penal colonies across the country will be affected by the move.
“Rather than merely applying a blanket punishment, we equally urge the government to take a look at improving jail management—from their processes to personnel—to ensure that no unlawful act happens within the prison systems,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said.
She also recommended to revisit the implementation of Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013 so the BuCor can improve its response to the scenarios they currently face.
Under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners or the Mandela Rules, supervised visitations and contact with the outside world as well as exercise and sports are part of the minimum standards.
“The said standards include prohibiting punishments that may be prejudicial to the physical and mental health of a prisoner,” CHR spokesperson said.
She added: “The goal then of prisons should be to reform persons deprived of liberty, to uphold human dignity while being accountable for their faults, rather than being key in imposing policies that advocate for cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.”
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said the measures implemented by Faeldon are only “temporary.”
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