Prisoners have privileges, not rights – Palace
Malacañang is supporting the move of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to limit the privileges given to prisoners nationwide following the discovery of contraband and the continued illegal activities in the country’s prisons.
BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon had initially canceled the privileges of prisoners temporarily due to the incessant entry of contraband and illegal activities in prisons nationwide.
Faeldon’s order, covering 45,000 inmates nationwide, came after a drug convict at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison allegedly managed to make a drug transaction with his contacts in Cebu using an internet connection.
Among the privileges originally cancelled were visitations and recreational activities of inmates such as playing basketball.
Faeldon later restored visitation privileges but said they are only allowing lawyers, immediate family members, and legitimate spouses to visit.
In his press briefing, Panelo said that privileges granted to prisoners can be cancelled. He also said it does not violate the rights of the prisoners.
“Eh kung temporary lang naman eh, siguro (I think it’s okay if it’s just temporary. Maybe) that’s a measure undertaken by the authorities to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs,” he said.
“If it’s a privilege, you can lift the privilege. It’s not a right,” he added.
Faeldon’s order took effect on March 5 and has been implemented at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, Davao, Iwahig, San Ramon, Sablayan and Leyte prison and penal farms.
The memorandum originally prohibits prisoners from meeting visitors and receiving gifts and prepared food from them. Before the suspension, visitors were allowed from Wednesday to Sunday.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has also backed BuCor’s move.
Guevarra said that he believes that “DG Faeldon had good reasons for its immediate implementation.”
“I also believe that these measures are temporary in character, as the BuCor intensifies its campaign to rid our prison facilities of illegal drug activities,” he stated.
Last Monday, Guevarra issued Department Order No. 093 which directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the BuCor to investigate Bilibid inmate Rustico Ygot.
Guevarra gave the order after Ygot allegedly conducted illegal drugs operations in Cebu.
Last Sunday, operatives of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) conducted two anti-drug operations in Cebu and seized P190 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.
During the operations, police also arrested Elymar Ancajas in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City and his supplier Jocelyn Encila in Barangay Casili, Consolacion, Northern Cebu.
Also arrested were Jocelyn’s parents, Marcial and Marilyn.
Investigators learned that Jocelyn was getting instructions from Ygot through the internet.
Her house was also wired with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras which Ygot also has access to from prison. (With a report from Jeffrey Damicog)