BuCor chief admits Bilibid problems already ‘institutionalized’

Bureau of Corrections Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu with his men during a raid inside the maximum security in National Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa. EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines—The best way to effect changes is to first admit there are flaws in the system, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu said as he admitted that the problems within the country’s prison facility has been institutionalized.

Bucayu has been at the receiving end of criticisms following a series of raids led by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima that led to the discovery of illegal drugs, gadgets, posh appliances, hot tubs, sex dolls, music room, private gym and millions of cash in various currencies inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“Institusyonal na ang problema dito. Bago magkaroon ng reform, kelangan munang aminin na may problema,” Bucayu said in a phone interview with INQUIRER.net.

(There problems here are already institutionalized. Before we implement reforms, we need to admit that there are problems.)

The BuCor, which is headed by Bucayu, oversees seven operating units including the NBP. Other operating units of BuCor are the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Sabisyan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte and Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Panabo Davao.

In addressing the problem, Bucayu said he has already implemented the BuCor-wide computerization of inmates’ profiles, the establishment of a BuCor internal affairs unit, a Special Weapons and Tactics unit and an investigation unit and the release of 81 inmates who were still in jail but had already actually served their sentences.

Bucayu also helped organize the first raid inside the NBP last Dec. 15, 2014.

“When I was appointed, I found out that there was no organization running the facility,” he added.

Under his watch, seven prison officials have been relieved from their positions for allegedly approving the entry of illegal drugs and prohibited items.

Relieved from their positions were NBP Superintendent Roberto Rabo, NBP Operations Chief Celso Bravo, Davao Penalty head Superintendent Venancio Tesoro, Maximum Security Officer-in-charge Danilo Dador, Commander of the Guards of the Maximum Security Compound Lucio Guevarra, Special Patrol Unit head Roberto Sespene,  and the inmates’  Visitation Services head Roberto Mandap.

He assured that reforms will continue amid the threats that he has been receiving, adding that he is hoping that the government’s steps will embolden other good people within the BuCor to come out and help them.

“There are many good people here, they only chose to keep quiet for fear of their lives,” he added.

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