DOJ Chief To Suspend Prison Bureau Officials Over Convicts Release

DOJ – DOJ secretary Menardo Guevarra aims to suspend BOC officials who are rumored to be involved in the early release of convicts.

The Justice department earlier this week initiated a probe to see if there are prison bureau officials who might be held liable for the early release of inmates.

Justice Spokesperson and undersecretary Perete said that the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) should have presented the records to the agency in order to see if there are any problems.

Recently, the Justice secretary himself said on Friday (September 6) that he plans to suspend the officials involved in the incident.

According to ABS-CBN, Guevarra said that he will assign an officer-in-charge (OIC) in the BuCor and order the SAID OIC to issue a suspension on the involved officials.

While the DOJ lacks the direct power over BuCor, it can still review and configure the agency’s “quasi-judicial and regulatory functions”, which was previously mentioned by Perete.

As per the report, Yolanda Camelo, a Senate witness, allegedly admitted to the Solon that she bribed the officials with ₱50 000 for the release of her husband who was imprisoned at the Muntinlupa national penitentiary.

Guevarra has to recommend to President Duterte to have a replacement for Faeldon, who Duterte fired earlier this week.

He further added that they have to “inject first blood” considering the transactions that have been long established. Guevarra further clarified that inmates should not lose hope of getting the early freedom under the Good Conuct Time Allowance Law if they are not under the following four exceptions: