By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Friday said it will be implementing stricter regulations on the use of government quarters intended for its personnel following the arrest of three individuals, including a person deprived of liberty (PDL) and the son of a former corrections officer, who were caught with suspected illegal drugs in San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga del Sur.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. made the announcement following the arrest on Thursday of minimum security PDL Jawewe Sakaluran Halil, Louie Ocampo and his wife, Fatima Madjid, by prison security personnel.
Ocampo is the son of former corrections officer Charles Ocampo who was separated from the service since March last year.
Catapang also ordered SPC/SSupt. Daisy Sevilla Castillote to conduct a thorough investigation and to ensure that no government quarters will be used in illicit activities.
In a report to the BuCor chief, Castillote said a confidential informant reported that unknown minimum security PDLs will pretend to buy something at the store owned by the Ocampo couple situated in Family Shelter, which serves as a government quarter.
At around 8:45 a.m., three PDLs were sighted but only two proceeded to the store after which, they were subjected for inspection in the presence of Castillote.
While the search was being conducted, a piece of brown tissue paper fell into the ground from the possession of Halil. Upon checking, it was found to contain three sachets of suspected shabu.
Under interrogation, Halil said he bought the suspected illegal drugs from the Ocampo couple’s store.
Castillote ordered the immediate conduct of “Galugad” with a K9 unit at the store which yielded four sachets of suspected shabu, 30 aluminum strip foils, six lighters, three improvised spatula, and a pack of transparent plastic.
Castillote said the Ocampo couple are unauthorized to own a house inside the prison reservation in violation of the housing policy of the BuCor as they have been served a final Notice to Vacate the premises on April 15 of this year.
The evidence was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority and the suspects were turned over to the Philippine National Police for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)
