Sablayan Prison Officials Relieved After Failed Smuggling Attempt

Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. has relieved a camp commander and a commissioned officer of the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) after a failed attempt to smuggle contraband items, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Thursday.

BuCor said Catapang received a report that a dump truck that was loaded with gravel and sand was parked suspiciously outside the SPPF Hospital.

According to the bureau, the driver claimed he had a permit signed by the camp commander, which allowed him to deliver the materials inside the facility.

This prompted the security team to instruct the driver to proceed to the designated unloading area. However, the driver later claimed that there was a malfunction and refused to unload the gravel and sand.

BuCor said that due to his persistent refusal, he was brought to the visiting area. He later admitted that the truck contained contraband.

Authorities recovered more than 200 bottles of alcohol as well as numerous packs of cigarettes and tobacco.

Meanwhile, the camp commander and the officer are now at the Directorate for Personnel and Human Resources Development at BuCor's national headquarters for further investigation.

Catapang said he has ordered concerned officials to investigate whether other BuCor personnel are involved in the attempt.

He has also ordered all superintendents of various prisons and penal farms to review existing protocol regarding the management and inspection of deliveries as well as to implement stricter guidelines for vehicle checks, monitoring entry permits, and conducting announced inspections.

According to the source: GMA Network.