BUCOR BANS CELLPHONES IN PRISONS

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has banned cellphones in all its prisons and penal farms nationwide.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the ban is aimed at curbing illegal activities facilitated by unregulated cellphone use inside correctional facilities.

The ban covers all its officials, employees, and visitors from using cellular telephones inside prisons.

The order was contained in a memorandum issued by Catapang on Tuesday to all directors, directorate chiefs and heads of offices informing them of the prohibition that is imposed without exception to all commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, civilian personnel, visitors and other persons entering the bureau’s headquarters and its operating prisons and penal farms (OPPFs).

The Bucor chief warned that any cellular phone or related devices discovered shall be immediately confiscated and reported to the appropriate authorities for proper documentation and disposition.

Personnel found to be complicit in the unauthorized entry or use of cellular phones will be subjected to administrative and criminal sanctions.

BuCor superintendents were instructed to conduct thorough inspections at entry and exit points and perform unscheduled checks of prison dormitories and BuCor personnel workspaces.

Catapang has also ordered the procurement of two-way radios to eliminate reliance on smuggled cellphones, which have been linked to illicit activities inside and outside prison walls.

“We understand that many personnel may initially resist these changes, but these measures are essential to prevent the misuse of cellphones inside our facilities,” the BuCor head said.