MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections defended yesterday strip searches conducted by BuCor jail guards on the wives of political prisoners during their visit to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.
BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the conduct of strip searches at the NBP and other penal facilities were warranted by the increasing number of visitors caught sneaking illegal drugs and other contraband stashed in their private parts and underwear.
Catapang said 30 visitors of inmates have been arrested since October last year for trying to sneak contraband into prisons.
“We have to be strict, without fear or favor in implementing strip searches. Otherwise, we will negate our responsibility of protecting inmates. If we exempt one visitor, we might be accused of giving VIP treatment,” Catapang said in a statement.
He said acting NBP Superintendent Roger Boncales reported to him that random searches and frisks proved to be ineffective.
A strip search is implemented by looking for contraband believed to be hidden in the visitors’ private parts. Illegal drugs have been found in visitors’ tampons and bras.
Under the BuCor operating manual, jail visitors shall be subjected to a body search and their belongings screened before entering the prison facility.
Women should be searched only by female corrections officers and it is done in a private area with the consent of the visitor, Catapang said.
He said to avoid strip searches, the BuCor needs full body scanners.
“This is the reason why last year we appealed to Congress for additional funding for us to be able to buy body scanner machines just like those being used in our airports,” he said.
“It can detect objects, even those inside a person’s body for security screening purposes, without physically removing the clothes or making any physical contact,” Catapang added.
The body scanner machine costs from P20 million to P25 million, he said, adding that the BuCor initially needs at least five to ensure security in prison facilities.