A corrections officer intercepted a female prison guard at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Wednesday, November 26 after she attempted to bring in illegal drugs, prompting her immediate preventive suspension.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. ordered the suspension of Corrections Technical Officer 1 Melchora Wong after Corrections Officer 1 Benito Pancho found two plastic sachets of suspected shabu hidden inside a pouch of pandesal she was carrying at NBP Gate 1, Maximum Security Compound, at around 7:30 am.
After Pancho apprehended Wong, NBP–Maximum Security Camp Commander Major Henry Avila launched a follow-up operation at Dorm 5A, where officers seized 33 more sachets of suspected shabu from inmate Reineill Dizon.
Investigators noted that Dizon frequently visited Wong at the prison hospital.
Catapang directed investigators to file formal charges against Wong. He also granted Pancho a spot promotion for his vigilance and scheduled his formal recognition for next Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.
“These are the challenges we have to face,” Catapang said, emphasizing that officers must guard not only persons deprived of liberty but also “the few personnel who refuse to change.”
He warned that such individuals “have their days numbered.”
Catapang urged all corrections officers manning BuCor’s entry points to stay alert, follow strict protocols, and prevent any attempt to smuggle contraband.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.