More high value inmates could follow the 20 drug convicts that were transferred to an undisclosed facility after the latter were found to be living too comfortably and amid reports that they were continuing their drug transactions inside the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison, GMA News’ “24 Oras” reported on Monday.
“Kung may mga high risk and high value inmates na hindi pa nakasama ngayon baka isusunod namin. Hindi kasi magagawa yan hanggat physically nandito sila kasi proktetado sila nga mga gang kaya inaalis muna namin sila temporarily,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.
All luxury items found in the special holding areas or “kubol” in NBP were confiscated, including a flat TV, home theater, LCD projector, jacuzzi, sauna facility, sound system, air-conditioner system, router, internet connection, cellphones, soaps and lotions, expensive shoes, sunglasses and watches, cash, guns, and even sex toys.
The NBP has until Saturday to demolish all four “kubol.”
De Lima said NBP personnel who colluded with inmates will be held liable.
“Ayaw ko na muna magsabi ngayon kung ano ang balak ko… because certainly talaga namang sobra ang naging kapabayaan,” she said.
NBP superintendent Roberto Rabo is not new at the NBP but he was still shocked that there were luxurious items found inside the prison.
He was then six months in his post as the head of minimum security compound when reports came out that former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste freely go in and out of the NBP.
“Mukhang sobra, kasi bawal po ‘yan. Kunwari ang dalaw pag meron silang anniversary, pag ni-request nila ibinibigay…pero this time hindi na, ilalagay lang talaga natin kung maaari ang stay in araw lang ng Sabado,” he said.
There are 22,800 inmates in the NBP that has a maximum capacity of 14,000. One jail guard is assigned for every 60 inmates.
About 2,500 to 5,000 visitors of NBP everyday are checked or inspected through frisking instead of x-ray machines.
At present, frisking is done at the entrance gate only.
It will also strictly implement the 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday visiting hours.
The stricter rules implemented in the NBP is also affecting vendors outside the facility which were not allowed to sell their products inside the prison after the surprise inspection on Monday morning. —Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza/NB, GMA News
