BuCor bans Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Monday confirmed that it has permanently banned Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim from visiting persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in all prison camps due to repeated violations of correctional protocols and unruly behavior.

In a letter addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang stated that the ban took effect on 29 April 2025, following an investigation supported by multiple testimonies that cited Lim’s defiance, arrogance, and disruptive conduct during visits to the New Bilibid Prison.

BuCor said Lim demonstrated a repeated pattern of disregarding security measures, impatience with verification procedures, and confrontational behavior toward prison staff and high-ranking officials.

Catapang outlined several incidents that led to the decision:

• On 25 February 2024, Lim allegedly acted arrogantly toward prison staff by refusing to queue properly, intervening in other visitors’ turns, and violating rules on bringing in medicines and parking regulations.

• On 24 March 2024, she reportedly refused to be frisked and threatened to sue personnel who insisted on conducting the procedure.

• On 7 April 2024, Lim allegedly bypassed protocol by facilitating an interview with a PDL by the De La Salle University School of Law, despite her visit being approved only for food donations. She also violated the "Paabot" procedure by attempting to enter without approval and refusing body frisking.

• On 19 October 2024, she was again cited for ignoring verification procedures and displaying confrontational behavior during a visit to the medium security camp of the NBP.

Catapang stressed that all visitors are subject to the same rules and no one receives special treatment.

“There are procedures to follow when visiting a PDL, and we treat everyone the same. No special treatment; all are equal,” Catapang said.

“We have to maintain order and adhere to security protocols within the correctional system to ensure a safe environment for both staff and PDLs,” he added.

Catapang also addressed the use of the term "political prisoners," clarifying that all current PDLs are serving sentences for crimes against the state.