Ban on food for Bilibid inmates lifted

MANILA, Philippines — Food and other basic needs for inmates at the medium-security compound of New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City are now allowed again, as long as they follow the guidelines set by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

“Paabot” or the sending of items to inmates by their family because of the lack of resources of the BuCor to provide to its growing prisoner population resumed on Dec. 4 due to “humanitarian consideration,” according to a memorandum signed by Corrections Senior Supt. Victor Erick Pascua, acting superintendent of NBP medium-security compound.

In-person visits with inmates, however, are still suspended.

The paabot system had been suspended since March to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in prisons. —Dexter Cabalza