Maguindanao and Cotabato City1st district Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura has castigated the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for allegedly serving what she called "abominable food" to Muslim and Seventh Day Adventists inmates.
Mastura, in a privilege speech Monday afternoon, Sept. 19, called on the House of Representatives to carry out a inquiry in aid of legislation on the alleged serving of pork and food with pork ingredients to these particular inmates.
“This nefarious act committed by AFS Eatery, a caterer hired by the BuCor in making meals for detainees is in violation not only of the food and subsistence agreement signed between BuCor and the catering firm but most importantly the constitutional rights of inmates,” reckoned the lady solon.
Matsura said that consuming pork is forbidden for Muslims and Seventh Day Adventists.
“It is clear in the BuCor guidelines that they should be given food in accordance with their religious practice specified as Halal certified products," she stressed, adding that "Even prisoners have rights."
According to Matsura, being forced to consume food with pork ingredients “can be considered a form of torture".
“In this situation, inmates are left no choice but to either consume what we consider abominable food or to go hungry,” she noted.
Mastura further described the deeds of BuCor and its hired caterer as insulting to the Muslim community.
She said the probe that she is seeking would help determine whether or not there are adequate laws protecting the right to the free exercise and enjoyment of religion of inmates.
"Prison walls do not form a barrier separating inmates from the protection of the Constitution,” Matsura said.