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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bilibid's PDLs allowed to make online purchases thru BuCor's laptops

Bilibid's PDLs allowed to make online purchases thru BuCor's laptops

Published Jul 31, 2023 03:46 am
Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have been allowed to make online purchases through laptops owned by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said. “Meron po kami laptops na pwede doon mag-order (We have laptops where they can place orders),” Catapang said during an interview on DZBB on Monday, July 31. He said the bureau’s laptops are those used for its “E-Dalaw” program for PDLs. Catapang responded to the call aired by Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Party-List Rep. Erwin Tulfo to look into information that Bilibid inmates can order items online. He said that allowing PDLs to order online is “part po ‘yan sa Mandela prison reform (This is part of the prison reforms under the Mandela Rules).” In May 2023, the Philippines became one of the member countries of the Group of Friends (GoF) of the Mandela Rules which, according to the United Nations (UN), was formed “ to create awareness and promote the practical application of the United Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules).” On online purchases, Catapang said that based on rules and regulations, “allowed sila P2,000 per day na cash or in kind (inmates are allowed to use P2,000 per day in cash or in kind).” “Kawawa po talaga kaya kailangan bigyan mo rin sila ng kalayaan nila (They are pitiful because of their condition so you give them some freedoms),” said Catapang as he pointed out that the NBP is a congested facility that can only hold 6,000 inmates but currently has 30,450 PDLs. Despite online purchases, PDLs are not allowed to own or get hold of mobile phones. He also stressed that every delivery undergoes strict security inspection. He assured that contraband items brought inside prison facilities either through online or through visitors are intercepted during inspection. On Rep. Tulfo’s inquiry, Catapang said: “Pag-aaralan ko po (I will study it).”
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