Bilibid official axed over inmates’ escape

MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Jesus Bucayu ordered yesterday the relief of the chief of the minimum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City over the escape of three inmates under his watch.

Security Officer 1 Alfredo Devaras Jr., officer-in-charge of the minimum security compound, and prison guards manning the gates of the compound at the time of the incidents were relieved as a “corrective measure to address escape incidents,” according to Bucayu’s report to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

The “living out” privilege for inmates in the minimum security compound has also been suspended and the fugitive recovery unit was reorganized as a result of the incidents.

De Lima confirmed a report of The STAR that three inmates had escaped from the NBP – Jovani Misa last March 19, Eduardo Brosas last March 22 and Jomari Fortuna last April 16 – all after Bucayu assumed his post last month.

She also confirmed that two other inmates escaped from Davao Prison and Penal Farm – Junlee Villaren and Brayan Servano last March 19 and March 23, respectively.

“Out of the five escapees, one was already recovered. Recovery efforts on the other four are in progress,” De Lima told reporters. 

Apart from top-to-bottom relief of officers in the minimum security compound, Bucayu has come up with a work plan to enhance security in the national penitentiary that he said is confronted with issues like shortage in custodial officers, poor structural integrity and system in handling inmates.

He said the proposed reforms would be integrated in the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed BuCor modernization law.