BuCor chief relieves two officials over contraband smuggling attempt at SPPF

BuCor Director Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. relieved Corrections Chief Inspector Francisco Madrid and Technical Inspector Edgar Laudencia from their duties at Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) following an attempt to smuggle alcohol and tobacco into the facility.

The incident began when a dump truck with a permit signed by Madrid, which was supposed to deliver gravel and sand, refused to unload its cargo due to alleged mechanical issues, leading security personnel to question the driver who admitted to hiding contraband within the load.

Security later found 213 bottles of Ginebra San Miguel, 48 bottles of smaller Ginebra San Miguel, 16 bottles of Jack Daniel's Whiskey, two more bottles of Jack Daniel's, 30 reams of Marlboro cigarettes, 69 reams of tobacco, and additional packs and sticks of tobacco.

Catapang ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and reassigned Madrid and Laudencia to the Directorate for Personnel and Human Resource Development at BuCor's national headquarters in Muntinlupa City pending further inquiry.

He also directed all superintendents nationwide to review their protocols for deliveries, vehicle checks, and entry permit validations to prevent future smuggling attempts.