A highly-placed source told GMA News Online on Saturday that the Ombudsman ordered the investigation after a series of surprise inspections yielded contraband in the national penitentiary’s maximum security area.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had led the surprise inspections at the NBP this week.
On Friday, at least three officials were relieved from their posts after the inspections.
Among those relieved were NBP superintendent Roberto Rabo, assistant director for operations Celso Bravo, and Davao Penal Farm superintendent Venancio Tesoro, who was former NBP head.
Named OIC NBP superintendent was Richard Schwarzkopf; while Superintendent Rachel Ruelo, head of the Women’s Correctional, was tapped to replace Rabo.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Geraldo Padilla will replace Tesoro as head of the Davao Penal Farm. — Amanda Fernandez/LBG, GMA News
