Kapatid asks DOJ why spox Fides Lim banned from Correctional

Political prisoner support group Kapatid has urged the Department of Justice to investigate why its spokesperson Fides Lim was banned from entering the Correctional Institution for Women, saying this is a “politically motivated and institutional harassment” by the Bureau of Corrections.

Kapatid said Lim’s photo was displayed and marked “banned” at the facility’s entrance.

“I am not a criminal, much less a trafficker of contraband. My sole purpose is to assist political prisoners—most of whom have no family nearby—and to help uphold their right to survive with dignity,” Lim said in her letter dated July 8 addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

According to Kapatid, Lim was denied entry while delivering food to a person deprived of liberty (PDL), an alleged political prisoner, on May 25. Kapatid said Lim was previously allowed to visit the PDL on April 25. 

“This is not just about food—it is about survival. Bringing food to political prisoners is a humanitarian act, not a punishable offense,” Lim said. 

“Political prisoners like Rona often rely solely on the help of support groups like Kapatid. For this reason, access to BuCor facilities is not merely procedural. It is a humanitarian imperative—rooted in the dignity and survival of those who have been rendered invisible,” she added.

Kapatid noted that two alleged political prisoners had previously died within 55 days of each other due to hypertension and tuberculosis, which it said underscores the urgency of allowing humanitarian access and aid.

GMA News Online has asked the DOJ and BuCor for comment and will publish it once available.—AOL, GMA Integrated News