THE alleged dominance of influential foreign prisoners, mostly Chinese nationals, continues inside the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro, where some facilities are reportedly being treated like a hotel.
Sources claim that these VIP-like accommodations inside the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) compound exist with the alleged permission of BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang.
It is also being alleged that certain foreigners are allowed to use the facility in exchange for a fee. Information gathered indicates that the presence and influence of foreign prisoners became more noticeable during Catapang’s term.
Some insiders claim that the BuCor chief is emboldened by his close ties with former Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who is now serving as the Ombudsman.
Because of this alleged connection, critics are asking whether the growing income inside BuCor facilities has become a source of profit.
One of the questions being raised is how much each VIP-like unit inside the Sablayan compound costs. According to sources, there is a building with approximately ten VIP rooms reportedly reserved for inmates from the Chinese community.
It is further alleged that women are sometimes allowed to enter the area, giving the facility the atmosphere of a motel rather than a prison.
Instead of suffering the consequences of their crimes, some prisoners are reportedly living comfortably.
Investigations also revealed that a visiting area inside the BuCor compound is allegedly being operated by members of the Chinese community themselves rather than by government personnel.
A source inside BuCor also claimed that almost anything—even contraband—can allegedly be smuggled into the prison as long as it passes through a “Deed of Donation” scheme, which supposedly makes the entry of items appear legal. Because of this, rooms inside the facility reportedly have televisions and full air-conditioning.
Some observers even joked that it would not be surprising if someone eventually “donated” bathtubs for the inmates.
Critics say the situation resembles the luxury barracks that were previously dismantled at the New Bilibid Prison, suggesting that similar privileges may have simply been transferred to the BuCor facility in Occidental Mindoro.
A BuCor official who declined to be identified also confirmed that several high-profile prisoners, most of them Chinese nationals, have been transferred to the Sablayan prison.
Questions are now being raised about how much these alleged VIP rooms cost per night.
Meanwhile, sources claim that alcohol, cigarettes, and possibly illegal drugs continue to circulate inside the BuCor compound.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding these allegations.
