BuCor orders relief, suspension of 4 NBP personnel over stabbing incident
IN a decisive move reflecting his commitment to maintaining safety and security within the penal system, Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. has ordered the relief and preventive suspension of four New Bilibid Prison (NBP) personnel including its Acting Commander of the Guards following a stabbing incident at the NBP compound in Muntinlupa City that resulted in the death of a person deprived of liberty and injuries to two others.
Relieved and suspended from their duties pending investigation were C/INSP Louie Rodelas, Shift Commander/Acting Commander of the Guards; Corrections Officers 1 Christian Alonzo, Joshua Mondres both Keeper of Building 8 and CO1 Glicerio Cinco Jr – Gate Officer, Gate 1 A.
The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect PDLs. Although Catapang was on leave during the incident, he swiftly took action upon returning to work on Saturday, highlighting the accountability expected from correctional officers.
Catapang emphasized the critical role that corrections officers play in ensuring the safety of inmates, noting that one of their primary responsibilities is to adopt proactive security measures that prevent such violent occurrences.
“This situation indicates a lapse in our operations, resulting in the death of PDL Ricardo Peralta and the wounding of PDLs Reginal Lacuerta and Bert Cupada. It is essential that we hold individuals accountable for these failures,” Catapang stated.
“Our personnel should be alert and vigilant to enhance the safety protocols that govern the custody ang management of inmates anytime of the day,” Catapang added.
As this developed, the Bucor chief also asked the Commission on Human Rights to conduct its own parallel investigation into the incident.
Catapang sent a letter request dated January 4 to Atty. Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, CHR Commissioner in order to further establish the facts, promote transparency, and determine accountability.
Bucor earlier sent the same letter request addressed to NBI Director, Jaime Santiago and PNP Chief, P/Gen. Rommel F. Marvil.
