A female Corrections Technical Officer was ordered preventively suspended by Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. after she was caught red-handed with suspected illegal drugs.

Catapang identified the officer as CTO1 Melchora Wong. She was caught with two plastic sachets of suspected shabu mixed inside a pouch of pandesal.

She was caught by CO1 Benito Pancho during a routine inspection at the New Bilibid Prison Gate 1, Maximum Security Compound, at around 7:30 AM.

During a follow-up operation led by NBP – Maximum Security Camp Commander Maj. Henry Avila, authorities netted 33 more plastic sachets of suspected shabu from PDL Reineill T. Dizon at Dorm 5A. Dizon reportedly frequently visited Wong at the hospital.

The immediate filing of formal charges was ordered by Catapang against Wong, while Pancho was given a spot promotion to the next higher rank. His formal awarding for a job well done is scheduled during next Monday's flag-raising ceremony.

“These are the challenges that we have to face. We are not only guarding persons deprived of liberty but we also have to be vigilant against our own people. Mabuti na lang mangilan ngilan lang yang mga matitigas ang ulo na ayaw pang magbago but their days are numbered,” Catapang said.

According to Catapang, the incident is an example of showing our personnel to do good and you will be rewarded, and continue your old ways and you will be caught.

Catapang renewed his call to all Corrections Officers manning Bucor’s entry points to be more alert and vigilant and adhere to the strict implementation of protocols.