‘No misunderstanding between BuCor, NCRPO’

MANILA, Philippines — There is “no misunderstanding” between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

This was according to BuCor spokesperson Wena Fe Dalagan yesterday, stressing that they are all on the same page.

Dalagan gave the assurance following the threat of the NCRPO to pull out its forces from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as part of the augmentation team. ?NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas on Thursday threatened to pull out his men following accusations of smuggling contraband into the NBP.

Dalagan said there was no finger-pointing, saying the cases of smuggling are still under investigation.

“We have coordination about it and investigation with the Napolcom is ongoing,” Dalagan said, referring to the National Police Commission.

“(There is) no misunderstanding whatsoever,” she added.?As the demolition of illegal shanties is ongoing, the NCRPO supposedly tried to smuggle in cellphones, tobacco, cigarettes and wine inside the national penitentiary. This was reported by the BuCor. ?BuCor also said they may file grave misconduct against the policemen involved.

Apparently, this did not sit well with Sinas, as he called this “finger-pointing.” ?“If they are going to blame us for all that is happening in Bilibid, I think it’s best we pull out our men there. We are not here to fight, we’re here to work together. If every day, I feel like there’s excessive blame thrown at the police, then we may see ourselves going that way,” Sinas said Thursday.?Sinas said the policemen “never violated a policy” since they were “in formation.” 

Dalagan, for her part, said the BuCor will await the result of the investigation of Napolcom.        

In the meantime, visitation privileges of prisoners are still suspended, Dalagan said.