A total of 300 PDLs involved in drug-related cases were transferred to a facility in Mindoro. The transfer came following an order from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to consolidate all inmates involved in drug cases in a supermax facility. Photo from BuCor PIO
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has started the transfer of inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDL) involved in drug-related cases into a single supermax facility.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said 300 PDLs were transferred Wednesday night from New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa to Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro.
The transfer was made upon orders of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
The PDLs were moved using 10 commercial buses under the supervision of 90 staff members, which included BuCor SWAT Teams, medical personnel, and an escort team with assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as SLEX and STAR Toll Highway Patrol Units.
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Catapang said the transfer is part of BuCor鈥檚 intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, aligning with the administration鈥檚 鈥渂loodless drug campaign.鈥�
BuCor has also added security to prevent drug activities inside the penitentiary.
Catapang recently banned the use of mobile phones without exception to all Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, civilian staff, visitors, and anyone else entering the premises of the National Headquarters-BuCor Offices, New Bilibid Camps, and various operational prisons and penal farms (OPPFs) across the country.
A thorough inspection聽was also ordered for implementation at all entry and exit points of OPPFs to deter the smuggling of cellular devices.
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In addition, Catapang has instructed his superintendents to carry out regular inspections of facilities, including unscheduled checks of prison dormitories and workspaces occupied by BuCor personnel to identify any prohibited items.