Strip search for visitors of inmates halted by BuCor

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) ordered a halt to the strip and cavity searches for visitors of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) on all prisons and penal farms as investigations are being conducted.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. issued a memorandum to all superintendents to "immediately stop the conduct of such searches until further notice."

A review of the policy is also being undertaken, Catapang said.

“The investigation is ongoing to determine whether they have done the search in accordance with the procedures… BuCor's protocols are dynamic and have been made in line with the current trends of correctional management responsive to the emerging needs of the institution,” the BuCor chief said in a separate statement.

The Department of Justice and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have both launched an investigation into the "degrading" body searches.

“If this will further improve our services to our stakeholders and the public, any technical assistance that the CHR may extend to us will be very welcome,” Catapang said.

He further stated that a letter to Focal Commissioner for Prevention Commission on Human Rights Attorney Faydah Maniri Dumarpa was sent to assure and explain the searches.

“Should a visitor refuse to undergo the search procedure, such visitor may opt to avail of our electronic visits or the "e-dalaw". Visitors are not compelled to sign the waiver. Minors are not subjected to strip searches,” he said.

The strip and cavity searches were earlier raised by Kapatid, a support group for families of political detainees, after the wives of two inmates were subjected to the procedure.  They have lodged complaints before the CHR.

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.

Fides Lim, spokesperson of the group, welcomed the suspension of the strip search but questioned the alleged "invites" sent by the BuCor to her.

“We hope that this order will permanently translate into full compliance with international human rights standards that prohibit the use of strip and cavity search as a routine and regular policy measure," Lim said.

"But we seek an explanation about the two standing ‘invitations’ of the BuCor Division on Intelligence and Investigation to me that I deem as harassment. The first is in relation to a supposed complaint from Inmate Visiting Services Unit (IVSU) head Evangeline Rabara who supervises the visiting area where the strip and cavity search occurs, and the second is from the NBP Medium Security Camp Commander Ruben Formoso,” said Lim in a statement on Friday.

Invitations from security units are always alarming and even dangerous because they are not truly optional. They are, in fact, coercive and a form of intimidation to compel obedience yet create uncertainty and anxiety for the individual summoned,” Lim added.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the Bureau of Corrections for comment on the alleged invitations. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News