3 officers axed for slipping tobacco, drugs into Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — Three Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) personnel were dismissed from service years after they were caught slipping tobacco and illegal drugs into the New Bilibid Prison.

Correction Officers II Marlon Esguerra and Zol Plenos, and Prison Guard I Ernesto Dionglay Jr. were found guilty of grave misconduct and BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. ordered their immediate dismissal, the bureau said yesterday.

Esguerra was caught carrying seven bricks of tobacco as he reported for work at the NBP’s maximum security compound on May 4, 2018.

BuCor said Esguerra had admitted the offense, citing financial difficulties.

Plenos was caught carrying six pieces of tobacco while entering the maximum security compound on Aug. 23, 2017. He also admitted charges against him.

BuCor said Dionglay was arrested on Aug. 3, 2017 after he was found carrying methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu at the maximum security compound.