THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will investigate complaints from the spouses of political detainees alleging inappropriate strip searches at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
In a statement, BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. has affirmed the agency’s readiness to cooperate with any relevant authorities probing the matter.
Catapang stressed that strip searches are standard procedure for all visitors at BuCor facilities to deter the smuggling of contraband, such as narcotics hidden in private areas.
Official BuCor data revealed that between October 2023 and March 8, 2024, 30 visitors to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were apprehended attempting to smuggle contraband, including suspected illegal substances and tobacco concealed in intimate areas, including within their undergarments.
Strip searches involve thorough inspection for contraband concealed on a person’s body and attire which are often undetectable through standard frisking procedures.
“We have to be strict, without fear or favor in the implementation of strip search, otherwise we will negate in our responsibility of protecting our PDLs and if we exempt an individual, we might be accused of giving VIP treatment,” Catapang said.
Formal complaints have been lodged with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) against specific jail guards at the NBP for allegedly subjecting wives of political prisoners to “degrading and traumatic” body cavity searches.
Despite affirmations of possessing no illegal substances or weapons, the complainants assert they were still subjected to strip searches by the guards “under orders from higher authorities.”
A particularly distressing incident occurred when a senior citizen underwent a cavity search purportedly within the visiting area of the NBP Maximum Security Compound.
Although the wives were coerced into signing waivers consenting to the strip searches, Lim noted the exploitation of such waivers by claiming that body cavity searches have become routine rather than exceptional.
