Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang ordered the suspension of four New Bilibid Prison (NBP) personnel following a recent stabbing incident that left one person deprived of liberty (PDL) dead and two others injured.
In a press statement on Sunday, January 5, 2025, the BuCor announced that the following NBP officers have been relieved from their duties pending the results of ongoing investigations: Chief Inspector Louie Rodelas, Corrections Officers Christian Alonzo, Joshua Mondres, and Glicerio Cinco, Jr.
The violent altercation, which occurred early Thursday, January 2, at the NBP compound in Muntinlupa City, raised concerns about the effectiveness of security protocols designed to protect inmates.
Catapang held the suspended officials accountable, emphasizing the critical role that corrections officers play in ensuring the safety of inmates. He noted that one of their primary responsibilities is to adopt proactive security measures that prevent such violent occurrences.
“This situation indicates a lapse in our operations… Our personnel should be alert and vigilant to enhance the safety protocols that govern the custody ang management of inmates anytime of the day,” the BuCor chief stated.
To promote transparency, Catapang requested the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an independent investigation. In a letter dated January 4 addressed to CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, the BuCor chief sought to establish facts and identify liabilities.
Similar letters have also been sent to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Rommel Marbil, urging parallel probes into the incident.
