PDLs' wives file complaints at CHR vs. Bilibid strip searches

Wives of prisoners deprived of liberty (PDLs) on Monday filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights against the strip search they experienced at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in April.

According to KAPATID, a support group for families of political prisoners, the search took place at the visiting area of the NBP Maximum Security Compound, which is under the Inmate Visitation Service Unit, on April 21. 

“The humiliating experience of the wives of political prisoners need to be investigated for outright violations of international and national laws governing the treatment of prisoners and visitors and violence against women as well as for brazen harassment,” Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim said in a statement.

KAPATID said jail searchers told the wives that the orders came “from above.” 

Lim said the waiver, a consent form allowing the search, signed by the families is “used as a tool of abuse.” 

Gloria Almonte said she was "nearly in tears and trembling" when the search was being conducted.

“I was nearly in tears and trembling as I lifted my t-shirt and bra, and also removed my pants and panties. I was made to squat three times and then bend over while opening my private parts to check for any hidden illegal items,” Gloria Almonte said. 

Meanwhile, another wife, Maricel, said she had to repeat the procedure 10 times.

The searcher said I wasn't doing it right and to do it properly next time. It was really traumatic and shameful to experience such things,” she said.

“For now, I am still considering whether I can visit my husband despite our longing to see him as a family. It's like I can't face being stripped down and searched again by the BuCor body searchers,” she added.

Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Representative France Castro and Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the Makabayan bloc would push for a congressional probe into the incidents.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Bureau of Corrections, which oversees the NBP, but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.—LDF, GMA Integrated News