BuCor activates body scanners in Sablayan to curb smuggling

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. on Saturday announced the full operability of two full body scanners at the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro, strengthening the agency’s measures against contraband smuggling, especially in facilities housing high-profile persons deprived of liberty, including convicted drug lords.

This brings the total number of full body scanners under BuCor to four, with two already installed at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City since November 2024.

“These scanners were acquired last month, installed a week ago, and are now fully operational to deter smuggling of contraband into SPPF, enhance security, [and] streamline the visitor screening process without the need for cavity check,” Catapang said.

He explained that the scanners are capable of detecting items ingested, hidden under clothing, or concealed in private body parts, making them crucial tools in tightening prison security.

Aside from the body scanners, an under-vehicle surveillance camera will be installed at SPPF by next month. The system will scan the underside of vehicles entering the premises to help prevent the smuggling of contraband, explosives, and weapons that may be hidden from visual inspection.

BuCor also deployed 75 personnel under Task Force “Sanib Pwersa,” which includes members from BuCor, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). Another 75 officers from the PNP are expected to join the task force, bringing the total to 150.

Catapang said the upgrades form part of a broader modernization effort, with plans to procure six more body scanners for other prison and penal facilities across the country.