BuCor orders removal of gang tattoos to end violence among inmates

The Bureau of Corrections launched on Wednesday “Oplan Bura Tatak” in an effort to end gang culture which sparks violence among inmates.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras,” BuCor chief director general Gerald Bantag said the objective of the program is to eliminate dispute among the members of the different gangs in the New Bilibid Prison.

“May mga nag-aaway pero hindi katulad noong may mga pangkat. Kapag nasaktan ang isang pangkat, gaganti naman. Nagbabaka sakali tayo na ‘yong culture of violence ng pangkat ay at least mabawasan kung hindi man mawala ng tuluyan,” Bantag said.

He said all persons deprived of liberty are required to participate in the program. He added that only their gang tattoos will be removed.

“‘Yong mga tattoo artists natin talagang mga lisensyado. Sila ‘yong (in-charge) na tanggalin kung ano ‘yong pangalan noong pangkat,” Bantag said.

Meanwhile, several PDLs also surrendered their weapons.

“Ito na ang magandang resulta kasi lahat ng armory nila unti-unti na ‘yang ibibigay sa amin, isu-surrender,” Bantag said.

The Oplan Bura Tatak program was launched three weeks after nine inmates were killed in a riot that sparked inside the NBP.

The riot was between rival gangs Sputnik and Commando.

The program was also conducted at the Correctional Institution for Women and all penal farms in provinces.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News