BuCor urged to probe abuse of female convicts

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) should look into the alleged abuse of convicts at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, according to a volunteer from a religious group.

The CIW is the counterpart of the New Bilibid Prison, where male convicts serve their sentence.

In a letter to BuCor director Franklin Bucayu, a copy of which was furnished to The STAR, the volunteer alleged that the CIW’s medical workers do not attend to ailing convicts who are in dire need of medical care.

The ailing inmates have long been waiting to be referred to a hospital, the volunteer added.

“Many times (the inmates) approached medical officials but they were shouted at,” the volunteer said.

According to the volunteer, the prisoners said they have to pay bribes and shoulder their own medical expenses.

Rich prisoners are given priority in hospital referrals and are allowed to go out of the CIW compound for treatment even if their ailment is not an emergency case, the volunteer alleged.

“The logbook of the security guards at the main gate will show the list of prisoners going out of the compound without permission,” the volunteer said.