Aguirre names BuCor officer-in-charge

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has designated an official of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to temporarily run the affairs of the agency following the resignation of Director General Benjamin Delos Santos last week.

Aguirre issued Department Order 477 designating BuCor Administrative Division chief Rey Raagas as officer-in-charge, which gives him the authority to oversee day-to-day operations and "other ministerial duties that are essential so as not to disrupt public service."

"This designation shall be in addition to his duties and responsibilities," the order stated.

Aguirre had earlier directed Delos Santos to stay in his post pending President Rodrigo Duterte's action on his "irrevocable" resignation, but the former police official refused.

Delos Santos said it would be best for the government to name an officer-in-charge instead, which Aguirre did.

Aguirre has also formally asked Duterte to appoint Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Dionisio Santiago as BuCor chief.

In a letter addressed to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the Justice chief expressed confidence in Santiago's ability to continue the programs aimed at stamping out illegal drugs inside the national penitentiary and other penal colonies.

Santiago, a former Armed Forces chief and head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, was BuCor director from June 2003 to September 2004.

"In my humble opinion, General Santiago can very well lead the BuCor," Aguirre said.

Told about the recommendation, Santiago said in an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday that it was a welcome development, but it would ultimately be up to the President to make the appointment.

"I'm very grateful. It's an honor," said Santiago.

Delos Santos left his post saying reports about the resurgence of the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison have made him "irrelevant."

It was Aguirre who disclosed on July 3 that the illegal drug trade has started to return a year after authorities launched a crackdown on the narcotics ring operating inside the national penitentiary.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently looking into the said resurgence. —KBK/KVD, GMA News