Manila: A female prison guard was immediately placed under preventive suspension after she was caught with illegal drugs on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) stated that Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. ordered the preventive suspension of Corrections Technical Officer 1 Melchora Wong after she was found with two plastic sachets of suspected shabu concealed inside a pouch of pandesal. The discovery was made by Corrections Officer 1 Benito Pancho during a routine inspection at the New Bilibid Prison Gate 1, Maximum Security Compound at approximately 7:30 a.m.

In a subsequent operation led by NBP-Maximum Security Camp Commander, Maj. Henry Avila, an additional 33 plastic sachets of suspected shabu were confiscated from inmate Reineill Dizon at Dorm 5A. It was reported that Dizon frequently visited Wong at the prison hospital.

Catapang has also ordered the immediate filing of formal charges against Wong. In recognition of his actions, Pancho was awarded a spot promotion to the next higher rank, with a formal award ceremony scheduled for the upcoming Monday's flag-raising event.

'These are the challenges that we have to face. We are not only guarding persons deprived of liberty but we also have to be vigilant against our own people. Mabuti na lang mangilan-ngilan lang yang mga matitigas ang ulo na ayaw pang magbago (It's good that there are only a few hard-headed personnel who refused to change), but their days are numbered,' Catapang said.

Catapang reiterated his call for all corrections officers manning BuCor's entry points to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to established protocols.