THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has banned cellphones in all its prisons and penal farms.The cellphone ban was part of a comprehensive policy to enhance prison security and address illegal drug-related activities.The policy includes the consolidation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) involved in drug cases into a single Supermax facility.In a significant step toward consolidating drug-related cases, 300 PDLs were transferred from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.The transfer, overseen by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., required 10 commercial buses, with 90 personnel providing security and medical support.Initially scheduled last week, the transfer was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. This move aligns with the administration's 'bloodless drug campaign' and is part of efforts to gradually close down the NBP by 2028.The no-cellphone policy applies to all commissioned and non-commissioned officers, civilian personnel, visitors, and anyone entering BuCor facilities.Catapang said the ban is aimed at curbing illegal activities facilitated by unregulated cellphone use inside correctional facilities.BuCor superintendents have been 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,' Catapang said.
