Muntinlupa city: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has relieved two officers, pending investigation into alleged anomalies in the trust fund for women persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. announced the relief of two commissioned officers from the Corrections Institution for Women (CIW) to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the alleged anomalies involving the trust fund of PDLs. CIW Superintendent Daisy Sevilla-Castillote and Deputy Superintendent for Administration Marites Lebardo have been directed to report to the Office of the Deputy Director General for Administration at the National Headquarters in Muntinlupa City.

Corrections Officer 2 Bianca Ramos, who is responsible for the PDL Trust Fund, has been absent without leave since July 29. Catapang stated that BuCor has requested assistance from the Muntinlupa Police Station to locate the AWOL officer to provide clarity on the matter. Meanwhile, CIW Inspector Lariza Martin, director of the Reception and Diagnostic Center NHQ, has been appointed as the Acting Superintendent of CIW.

Catapang has also assigned Edgardo Virtudazo, chief of the Internal Audit Service Unit, to perform an internal audit regarding the alleged mishandling of trust funds. This audit will focus on gathering and verifying all relevant details, existing information, and reports related to the issue. Additionally, the Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation, led by Atty. Ferdinand Balduman, has been tasked with conducting a parallel investigation to determine the extent of culpability among both former and current CIW officers.

Catapang emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "If it is true that there are missing funds amounting to about PHP6 million, this did not happen overnight. We need to get to the bottom of this and hold those accountable in their proper place."