CHR visited NBP for probe vs. strip search — BuCor

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has visited the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) for their probe on the strip search that was conducted on families of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and political prisoners, the agency said Thursday.

In a statement, the BuCor said the investigators arrived at the NBP on Monday.

“The BuCor gave the investigators a briefing and simulation of the strip cavity search to give them an idea on how visitations are conducted inside the NBP to maintain peace and order,” it said.

“They also showed the investigators the NBP Maximum Camp, including the conjugal facilities and the park for PDL visitors and their children,” it added.

According to BuCor, the personnel who conducted the strip search would also be subpoenaed by the CHR for their sworn statements.

In early May, wives of PDLs and political prisoners filed a complaint with the CHR against the strip search they experienced at the NBP's Maximum Security Compound on April 21.

The complaint led BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to order separate investigations in the matter.

The BuCor has also relieved from their posts seven personnel over the incident amid the ongoing probe. It has also ordered a halt to the strip and cavity searches for visitors.

Catapang earlier said he was puzzled by the complaint, saying the complainants had visited numerous times before.

For their part, the wives explained that they were only frisked in their previous visits and they were asked to strip for the first time during the April 21 visit. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News