Catapang orders ’no cellphone policy’ for all prisons nationwide

After reports that bulk of the drug trade is still sourced from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Tuesday ordered a ‘no cellphone policy’ for both visitors and commissioned officers in all prisons and penal farms (OPPFs) nationwide.

In a memorandum issued to superintendents of OPPFs, Catapang said the policy applies to all commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, civilian personnel, visitors, and other individuals entering the premises of the BuCor offices, NBP camps, and all OPPFs.

Catapaang said that any phones or related devices discovered will be confiscated for proper documentation and disposition.

Meanwhile, he said that administrative and criminal sanctions may be imposed against any personnel that are involved in the unauthorized entry or use of phones.

“Maraming mag rereklamo na personnel natin sa bagong policy na yan pero kailangan nating gawin para talagang wala ng maka gamit ng cellphone sa loob, “ Catapang said in a statement.

(A lot of our personnel complained about this new policy but this needs to be done so that cell phones will no longer be used inside.)

Last week, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that the number one source of the illegal drug trade is still the NBP in Muntinlupa City.

According to Catapang, smuggled cellphones often lead to illegal activities both inside and outside of prison walls.

He said he has ordered the procurement of two-way radios as an alternative mode of communication for the personnel.

Catapang also ordered superintendents to conduct thorough inspections at all entry and exit points to prevent smuggling.

He also ordered regular facility checks and random inspections of prison dormitories and work areas of BuCor personnel for prohibited devices. — BAP, GMA Integrated News