Prison leaders vow anew to cooperate with BuCor vs. entry of contraband

Prison leaders on Wednesday vowed anew to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Director-General Nicanor Faeldon that they will cooperate in purging the penal colonies from illegal activities, following the cancellation of the inmates' privileges nationwide.

According to Jun Veneracion's report in GMA News TV's Balitanghali, Faeldon was adamant about his decision when he met with the leaders of different prisoners' groups from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the BuCor chief reiterated that one's mistake in the prison will be taken as everyone's fault—referring to the recurrent entry of various types of contraband in the penal institution.

Faeldon pointed out that in spite of his previous "gentleman's agreement" with the prison leaders to fight illegal activities in the jail, prohibited goods continued to enter the facility.

On the other hand, one of the leaders submitted a confidential list of names of errant prisoners.

Surprise inspections will be conducted in the prison cells and the assessment of which will determine when the cancellation of the inmates' privileges will be lifted.

The BuCor noted that once the privileges are returned, the visits of common-law wives will be under strict monitoring.

Around 45,000 prisoners in seven penal colonies nationwide lost their privileges of accepting visitors and participating in recreational activities.

Earlier in the day, NBP inmates' family members, some even came from provinces, cried in frustration about the BuCor chief's decision.

They asserted that the rights of those who are innocent should not be compromised because of the disobedience of some. — Dona Magsino/MDM, GMA News