BuCor ignored rules on inmates’ deaths
It’s common sense. When a high-profile inmate dies, this should be informed to the Department of Justice secretary
There is no violation of the Data Privacy Act if the deaths of high-profile inmates like big time drug lords are reported in public, Senator Richard Gordon said on Wednesday.
The law does not apply to the convicted.
It only applies to civilians, the lawmaker averred. His statement came following the simultaneous deaths of Jaybee Sebastian and eight other inmates, mostly Chinese nationals, allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade at Building 14 inside the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Their deaths were reportedly due to COVID-19, and their identities were initially withheld by Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag as it might violate the privacy law.
Gordon said it was surprising how these high-profile inmates died at the same time.
“If there is any COVID-related deaths, it should be reported to the Department of Health immediately. That’s the protocol in the entire country,” he said.
“It’s common sense. When a high-profile inmate dies, this should be informed to the Department of Justice secretary,” Gordon added.
He noted that some family members of the fatalities were not informed that they already died and cremated right away.
“Our Bureau of Corrections does not have a sterling record. They did not earn the public trust in my perspective,” the senator said.
Gordon cited the results of his investigation regarding the illegal drug trade inside the NBP where even doctors and nurses get paid off by the inmates.
“They did not even inform the Chinese ambassador. There should be voluntary reporting. They can’t hide what’s happening inside the prison,” he said.
“You can stage a picture before it happens. It’s easy to produce documents,” he stated. “I’m not saying they are guilty, I’m just saying there is a lot to be explained,” Gordon added.