Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has ordered the relief of two top officials from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) to facilitate an investigation into alleged anomalies involving inmate trust funds.

Relieved of their duties pending the investigation are Senior Supt. Daisy Sevilla-Castillote, superintendent of the prison facility, and Senior Supt. Marites Lebardo, deputy superintendent for administration.

Both officers were ordered to report to the Office of the Deputy director general for Administration at the national headquarters in Muntinlupa.

Catapang said the relief orders stemmed from missing inmate trust funds that could amount to roughly P6 million.

“If it is true that there are missing funds amounting to about P6 million, this did not happen overnight,” Catapang said Tuesday. “We need to get to the bottom of this and hold those accountable in their proper place.”

A key figure in the probe, Corrections Officer 2 Bianca Ramos, who served as the inmate trust fund officer, has been absent without leave since 29 July. Catapang said the agency requested assistance from the Muntinlupa Police Station to locate Ramos so she can address the allegations.

Catapang directed the Internal Audit Service Unit to conduct a comprehensive audit verifying all financial records and reports related to the trust fund.

Simultaneously, the Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation, led by lawyer Ferdinand Balduman, will conduct a parallel investigation to determine potential culpability among current and former prison officials.

Chief Insp. Lariza Martin was named acting superintendent of the women’s facility.

Catapang expressed frustration over the allegations as the bureau continues internal reform efforts.