Mandaluyong city: The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday announced that a separate investigation is not required, as the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has already taken action concerning the alleged missing funds of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).

According to Philippines News Agency, Atty. Kathleen Kindipan of the CHR-National Capital Region stated this during a dialogue with representatives from BuCor, CIW, and CHR at the CIW office in Mandaluyong City. The CHR initiated the dialogue to assess the need for an investigation.

Kindipan noted that the CHR had not received any formal complaints against the CIW, explaining that their request for dialogue was based solely on anonymous reports. She further clarified that no human rights violations have been established, as BuCor leadership has already begun an investigation and placed the implicated officials and employees on floating status to avoid any influence on the ongoing probe.

'There may be a violation only if there is inaction. For now, we will monitor the case, request updates, and make recommendations regarding the system for handling PDL funds,' Kindipan stated.

BuCor Deputy Director General for Administration Al Perreras reassured the CHR that BuCor would file administrative cases and criminal charges against those responsible for the missing PDL funds once the investigation concludes. 'The axe will fall because we do not want the changes we have started in BuCor to go to waste because of this incident. We will get to the bottom of this without fear or favor,' Perreras asserted.

Perreras also extended an invitation to the CHR to participate in the investigation, emphasizing that BuCor had nothing to hide. He affirmed that CHR officials are welcome to visit the CIW and other BuCor-operated prisons and penal farms at any time.