MANILA: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Wednesday deployed two high-tech full body scanners that would eliminate the need for manual strip searches. The two new Soter RS full-body scanners can detect any kind of unauthorized items hidden within the human body. According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. announced the deployment of these advanced scanners at the entrance of the National Headquarters' Administrative Building and the Inmate Visiting Services Unit of the Maximum-Security Camp in New Bilibid Prison. This strategic move aims to eliminate the need for strip searches and manual cavity checks on visitors of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Catapang highlighted that the scanners possess the capability to identify items ingested, hidden under clothing, or concealed inside private parts. He further stated plans to procure additional scanners for deployment across prisons and penal farms nationwide. In May, BuCor ceased strip and cavity searches on vis itors of PDLs after complaints from two prisoners' wives, prompting a procedural review with the Commission on Human Rights. Catapang clarified that these searches had been implemented due to an increase in contraband smuggling attempts, including cellphones, chargers, tobacco, and illicit drugs. Meanwhile, Catapang emphasized BuCor's commitment to addressing illegal drug activities, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for a 'bloodless drug war.' The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced plans to transfer approximately 200 high-profile inmates from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to a new maximum-security facility in the Philippines. This development follows a meeting between Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Virgilio Lazo, where it was identified that the Muntinlupa jail remains a significant source of drug trade. Catapang note d that 70 percent to 80 percent of the more than 52,000 PDLs nationwide are incarcerated due to drug-related cases. Official reports revealed that from July 21, 2023, to Oct. 12, 2024, a total of 1,806 PDLs, including 170 Chinese nationals mostly linked to drug-related cases, were transferred from the NBP to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Mindoro.