Catapang bars entry of ex-convicts in Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. yesterday reiterated that former convicts are prohibited from entering the New Bilibid Prison to prevent the smuggling of contraband.

Catapang directed all corrections personnel and officers to comply with memorandum orders issued in 2011 and 2018.

Under the memoranda, former convicts “shall no longer be allowed entry into any prison camps” to prevent the smuggling and proliferation of contraband.

Former prisoners are likewise denied entry regardless if they are hired as helpers, drivers or volunteers in religious organizations to “prevent such undertakings as a cover for any illicit activity.”