The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) refuted allegations of conspiracy inside the New Bilibid Prison regarding the death of high-profile inmates due to COVID-19.
BuCor Spokesperson Col. Gabriel Chaclag pointed out that rumors alleging Jaybee Sebastian did not die and has escaped prison is impossible since such conspiracy would need many conspirators, including officials inside the national penitentiary.
Chaclag insisted they are faithful to their duty and are not concealing anomalies.
“Kami po ay sumusunod sa patakaran. Hindi po tayo nasisilaw sa anumang monetary considerations kung iyon ang insinuation nila (We following the rules. We are not lured by any monetary considerations if that is their insinuation),” Chaclag claimed.
Bucor also shrugged off theories that BuCor Chief Gerald Bantag is behind Sebastian’s death and that he is just using COVID-19 to execute high-profile inmates.
“Huwag po nating isipin iyong ganoon. Hindi naman po kami siguro napakasamang tao na magplano ng mga ganoon, ni sa isipin ay hindi po sumasagi (We should not even consider those claims. We are not evil men who plan those things. It has not even brushed our minds),” Chaclag defended.
BuCor reiterated that they are open to anyone who want to conduct investigations on the matter.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said “the DOJ exercises supervision, not control” over the BuCor, in response to those who want Bantag fired.
“The BuCor director general is appointed directly by the President, and the latter’s trust is the measure of the DG’s continuance in office. On the matter of DG Bantag’s taking a leave of absence while the NBI is conducting its probe, we leave it entirely to Bantag’s sound discretion. But the DOJ will ensure that the NBI’s investigation will remain free and unhampered,” Guevarra added.
– Report from Kenneth Paciente
