Why banned for bringing food? or What is the public not being told?

(from press releases, statements and FB posts of KAPATID)

Human rights group Kapatid has asked lawmakers when Congress convenes for its 20th regular session on July 28 and deliberates on the national budget to closely scrutinize the budget of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and cited persistent rights violations, subhuman prison conditions, and the arbitrary permanent ban on Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim from visiting political prisoners.

“Where does the budget of BuCor really go?” Fides Lim, KAPATID spokesperson asked.

“Despite funding for so-called ‘security upgrades’—and the use of actual x-ray machines—the BuCor enforces irrational, arbitrary, and   oppressive procedures, especially against those visiting political prisoners who are well known not to engage in illegal drugs. The system is so convoluted and exhausting, it’s become a circus that even a dog would tire out from jumping through every bureaucratic, loopy hoop they keep inventing for show.”

Kapatid has also called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to urgently investigate what it deems as “politically motivated and institutional harassment” by the BuCor after its spokesperson Fides Lim was banned from visiting the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) and publicly shamed through the display of her photo marked “BANNED” at the facility’s entrance.

Lim said her permanent ban from BuCor facilities, ordered by Director General Gregorio Catapang, is retaliation for her vocal criticism and frequent appeals to the DOJ to intervene: “When you speak up like I do, you’re labeled ‘disruptive’ and banned for ‘unruly behavior.’ But it’s their so-called ‘correctional protocols’ that should be investigated and overhauled—not covered up by banning those who push back for reform,” she stressed.

I have to actually welcome the ban because, while personally distressing, it 
forces public attention to what families and persons deprived of liberty (PDL), 
including political prisoners, endure. Relatives are too scared to protest. But 
someone has to call out the red tape that only worsens hunger and illness due
 to severe restrictions on food and vital necessities. (F. Lim)

In the formal letter sent to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on July 8, Lim called for an impartial investigation, the removal of her photo, the lifting of the ban, and accountability for BuCor officials behind what she described as “a misuse of public authority to intimidate and silence humanitarian action.” She hoped “that the DOJ will act swiftly to stop this harassment and ensure that humanitarian work is protected—not punished.”

Lim was denied entry to CIW on May 25 while delivering food to political prisoner Rona Degoso, a 25-year-old political prisoner newly transferred from Negros Occidental. Just a month earlier, on April 25, she had been allowed to visit Degoso and bring her food. At Degoso’s request, Lim agreed to have her name listed in Degoso’s carpeta, as Degoso has no family in Metro Manila.

“This is not just about food—it is about survival. Bringing food to political prisoners is a humanitarian act, not a punishable offense. Political prisoners like Rona often rely solely on the help of support groups like Kapatid. For this reason, access to BuCor facilities is not merely procedural. It is a humanitarian imperative—rooted in the dignity and survival of those who have been rendered invisible.”

Kapatid continues to push the  call for investigation into BuCor’s abuses as “transparency” claim rings hollow. Kapatid renews its call for Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation into the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for “weaponizing security protocols” to justify abuses—including the so-called “permanent ban” imposed on spokesperson Fides Lim.

“I am not a criminal, much less a trafficker of contraband. My sole purpose  is to assist political prisoners—most of whom have no family nearby—and to help uphold their right to survive with dignity.” (F. Lim)

The BuCor Deputy Director General for Security and Operations has issued letters that give conflicting instructions about Lim’s status—calling the ban “permanent” in one letter and “temporary” in another but lifting it during the congressional budget hearings in September 2024, further showing what Kapatid described as “arbitrary, inconsistent” conduct.

Lim said that this public targeting has put her at risk, especially considering BuCor’s history of violence and the failure to provide any due process. The group cited multiple violations of constitutional rights and the Data Privacy Act, and questioned BuCor’s refusal to recognize political prisoners.

Kapatid has also documented how the BuCor has imposed arbitrary restrictions on food delivery, refused donations such as two rice cookers and a water dispenser requested by elderly and ill detainees, and ignored multiple requests for dialogue—even while Kapatid has good relations with the BJMP under Gen. Ruel Rivera.

“Even General Jovito Palparan, convicted of kidnapping and enforced disappearance, is held at the Minimum Security Compound, while political prisoners continue to face institutional discrimination,” Kapatid said. “What kind of justice system criminalizes food delivery and compassion, but shields those guilty of human rights abuses?”

The group also flagged the deaths of two political prisoners—Rommel Arquillo, 47, and Sonny Tambalque, 65—within 55 days of each other earlier this year from treatable ailments like hypertension and TB. Kapatid said these deaths underscore the urgency of allowing humanitarian access and aid.

This is not just about food—it is about survival. Most political prisoners like Rona Degoso are “tawid dagat”—from far-flung provinces whose families are too poor to afford transport fare, much less send food. Our visits serve as their only means to receive help. Bringing them food helps boost their nutrition and morale in the world’s fourth worst congested prison system, where around 1,000 a year die, based on BuCor data. (Letter of Kapatid  to Secretary of Justice Crispin Remulla)

KARAPATAN, the Philippine human rights watchdog denounced the permanent ban on the spokesperson of Kapatid Fides Lim. “The BuCor’s ban also underscores the violation of Lim’s right to seek redress without fear of reprisal, especially as she raised concerns regarding the policy and practice of strip search of prisoners’ visitors, denial of entry of food and other supplies, and provision of legal assistance to political prisoners in BuCor facilities in Metro Manila. The ban on Fides Lim is detrimental to the interests of the political prisoners and the other PDLs she has been servicing, and must be lifted forthwith for their sake,” Karapatan’s Secretary General Tina Palabay said.

“Considering that, by its own admission, the Bureau of Corrections does not  have the resources to provide adequate and nutritious food as well as other needs to the ‘persons deprived of liberty’ (PDLs) in their custody, it is both unconscionable and counter-productive for the BuCor to impose a permanent ban on Fides Lim who has been providing humanitarian aid, including food, medicines and other supplies for political prisoners,” said KARAPATAN secretary general Cristina Palabay.

Lim does not mince her words, she says them bluntly and her words should strike fear in the hearts of BUCOR Director General Gregorio Catapang  (who may not be able to live up to his name if he does not listen and withdraw the permanent ban), and of Col. Gil Torralba, other BUCOR officials and involved personnel for misuse of authority and obstruction of humanitarian aid.

“Ang tanong, ano ang mga dahilan bakit ako umaalma sa mga patakaran at proseso ng BuCor? At bakit tama lamang na gawin ito imbes na tumahimik. Hindi kasi dapat matakot na magtanong kung bakit lima hanggang anim ang steps bago makabisita kasi mapapanis na ang dala mong mga pagkain habang nasa 2nd step ka pa lang. Hindi kasi dapat tumango na lamang sa isang sistemang malupit at mapang-abuso. Hindi kasi dapat sumusuko na lang without a complaint. Ganyan na ako mula ng bata pa ako, laluna na nang tumanda na ako.” (F. Lim)

Lim is represented by human rights lawyer Atty. Kit Belmonte of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). She is still awaiting a reply to their requested in-person dialogue with Secretary Remulla to address these serious concerns. ###

Follow Kapatid-Families and Friends of Political Prisoners for more updates on its Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/kapatid.politicalprisoners