The Bureau of Corrections has denied former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and two companions’ request to remain in quarantine at the Correctional Institution for Women beyond the mandatory five-day period,.
Under regulations, the quarantine period for Guo, Jaimielyn Cruz, and Rachelle Joan Carreon ends on Thursday, as they were transferred from the BJMP to CIW on 6 December.
CT/Supt. Marjorie Ann Sanidad, Superintendent of the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, was ordered by Catapang to execute the immediate transfer of Guo, Cruz, and Carreon to a regular dormitory at the Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) to undergo the mandatory orientation, diagnostic, and classification process in accordance with established procedures and protocols.
Catapang explained that after completing the 60-day process at the RDC, the three will be transferred to their assigned regular dormitory at the Maximum Security Camp, considering that they were sentenced to life imprisonment.
For newly committed persons deprived of liberty, the 55-day assessment period following the five-day quarantine is crucial in determining their psychological and physical needs. This information is used by the institution to create individualized treatment plans or programs.
Catapang added that the RDC provides orientation programs and educational sessions designed to help new inmates adjust to the correctional environment while understanding their rights and the facility’s rules.
Guo and her two companions, in a letter dated 7 December addressed to Catapang through Sanidad, requested that they be allowed to temporarily remain in the quarantine area of the CIW even after the mandatory five-day quarantine.
In their letter, the trio asked for additional time to adjust to and reflect on the new environment of the CIW before joining other inmates, stating that the time they spent in the female dormitory has greatly affected their emotional and mental well-being, in addition to the heavy burden of public and malicious accusations being directed against them.
Sanidad also recommended that their request be denied.