BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has ordered the relief and preventive suspension of four personnel from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) following a stabbing incident that left one inmate dead and two others injured.
Those suspended include Chief Inspector Louie Rodelas, shift commander and acting commander of the guards; Corrections Officers 1 Christian Alonzo and Joshua Mondres, both assigned as keepers of Building 8; and Corrections Officer 1 Glicerio Cinco Jr., gate officer at Gate 1A. They will remain suspended pending the results of an investigation into the incident.
Early in the morning last Jan. 2, a violent altercation occurred within the NBP compound in Muntinlupa City.
Inmate Ricardo Peralta died from a stabbing, while Reginal Lacuerta and Bert Cupada sustained injuries during the incident that has sparked serious concerns over the effectiveness of the prison’s security measures.
Catapang was on leave at the time of the incident, but he acted swiftly upon his return to office on Saturday, Jan. 4, to address the situation, emphasizing the importance of accountability and proactive measures in ensuring the safety and security of inmates.
“This situation indicates a lapse in our operations, resulting in the death of PDL Ricardo Peralta and the wounding of PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) Reginal Lacuerta and Bert Cupada. It is essential that we hold individuals accountable for these failures,” Catapang said in a statement issued on Sunday.
Catapang highlighted the critical role corrections officers play in maintaining order and protecting inmates from harm.
“Our personnel should be alert and vigilant to enhance the safety protocols that govern the custody and management of inmates any time of the day,” he said.
In addition to the internal investigation, Catapang formally requested the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a parallel inquiry to promote transparency and accountability.
In a letter dated Jan. 4, addressed to CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, Catapang sought assistance in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
Similar requests for investigations have also been sent to the National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
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