MANILA — Families of political prisoners urged Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation into what they called the Bureau of Corrections’ (BuCor) “weaponization of security protocols” against human rights advocates and detainees.

In a statement, support group Kapatid condemned BuCor’s move to impose a “permanent ban” on its spokesperson Fides Lim, branding the agency’s response as an attempt to silence criticism under the guise of security.

“An impartial investigation is urgently needed not just to contest this ban, but to expose how the BuCor weaponizes unaccountable procedures to hinder food deliveries, obstruct humanitarian aid, and punish those who dare speak out against institutional abuse,” Lim said.

Lim, a long-time advocate for the rights of political prisoners, called BuCor’s recent pronouncements of “transparency” hollow, citing a pattern of abuse and bureaucratic obstruction.

She recounted an incident on February 15, 2025, when she and her group were made to wait eight hours—noon to 8 p.m.—before being allowed to deliver food to detainees at the New Bilibid Prison, despite having prior clearance from the Department of Justice. The delivery was only permitted after a social media post drew public attention, prompting Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to intervene.

“Why is this clear example of bureaucratic obstruction left out of BuCor’s narrative?” Lim said. “And why ignore that Gen. Catapang himself lifted my ban on September 5, 2024 during the congressional budget hearings, yet BuCor now cites incidents before that date to justify a so-called ‘permanent ban’?”

She also raised concerns over what she described as BuCor’s double standards in implementing its rules. While her visits remain barred, Lim said the bureau continues to withhold donated items such as rice cookers and a water dispenser meant for political prisoners.

She further questioned the transfer of convicted kidnapper Jovito Palparan from the New Bilibid Prison’s maximum-security compound to minimum-security custody, allegedly in violation of standard protocol.

“This so-called ‘permanent ban’ is not just about me as an individual. It reflects a deeper culture of unchecked power thriving behind prison walls that must be exposed and held to account,” Lim said.

Kapatid reiterated its appeal for legislative and human rights bodies to investigate the BuCor’s practices, stressing that the issue goes beyond one person and affects detainees who are denied access to food, medicine, and basic dignity.