Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Sunday revealed that he has ordered the relief and preventive suspension of four New Bilibid Prison (NBP) personnel, including its acting Commander of the Guards, following a stabbing incident at the NBP compound in Muntinlupa City that resulted in the death of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) and injuries to two others.

Relieved and suspended from their duties pending investigation were C/Insp. Louie Rodelas, Shift Commander/Acting Commander of the Guards; Corrections Officers 1 Christian Alonzo and Joshua Mondres, both Keepers of Building 8; and CO1 Glicerio Cinco Jr., Gate Officer, Gate 1A.

The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect PDLs.

Although Catapang was on leave during the incident, he swiftly took action upon returning to work on Saturday, highlighting the accountability expected from correctional officers.

Catapang stressed the critical role that corrections officers play in ensuring the safety of inmates, noting that one of their primary responsibilities is to adopt proactive security measures that prevent such violent occurrences.

“This situation indicates a lapse in our operations, resulting in the death of PDL Ricardo Peralta and the wounding of PDLs Reginal Lacuerta and Bert Cupada. It is essential that we hold individuals accountable for these failures,” Catapang said.

“Our personnel should be alert and vigilant to enhance the safety protocols that govern the custody and management of inmates at all times,” he added.

The BuCor chief also asked the Commission on Human Rights to conduct its own parallel investigation into the incident.

Catapang sent a letter request dated 4 January to Atty. Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, CHR commissioner, in order to further establish the facts, promote transparency, and determine accountability.

Bucor earlier sent the same letter request addressed to NBI director Jaime Santiago and Philippine National Police Chief Police General Rommel F. Marbil, dated 2 January.