BuCor chief orders end to construction of extension building

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief has ordered that the construction of an extension building of its headquarters in Muntinlupa City be stopped, Marisol Abudrahmann reported on “24 Oras” on Monday.

“Sabi ko ipahinto na ‘yan eh. Dahil di ba historical building na 'to? Di na dapat masira 'yung facade. Kita niyo naman masisira,” said BuCor officer-in-charge Gregorio Catapang Jr.

(I told them to stop it. Because the administrative building was a historical building and its facade should not be ruined. It cannot be damaged.)

This is not the first time he issued instructions to halt the construction, Catapang said, adding he immediately issued the order after assuming his post last month.

“‘Pag nandito ako, humihinto. Kapag wala ako, halimbawa nasa ibang lugar ako, weekend di ba...bigla na naman gumalaw,” he added.

(When I am here, the construction stops but when I am not, it continues.)

Meanwhile, the official said he will entrust the filing of appropriate charges against the individuals involved in the massive excavation at the New Bilibid Prison to the Justice Department.

He added that 50% of the soil gathered from the excavation was delivered to Caloocan City.

“Basta i-submit ko na lang daw lahat yung mga findings. Siguro baka kung ano hanap-hanap na lang kami dito kung saan kami pwede makakuha ng panambak kung di na namin ma-recover kasi nailabas na eh,” said Catapang.

(They told me to submit all of the findings. Maybe we’ll look for areas here where we can source materials to cover this because we might not be able to recover the soil.)

The BuCor also conducted an inspection at the national penitentiary where several phones, illegal drugs, and other contraband were surrendered by the prisoners.

The same agency will also start burying the remains- of the persons deprived of liberty (PLDs) on Friday that were inspected and cleared by forensic pathologist Dr. Racquel Fortun. -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News