Bilibid execs face possible raps over convicts’ special amenities

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday threatened to file charges against officials of the New Bilibid Prison responsible for the proliferation of prohibited items inside the maximum security compound of the national penitentiary.

 

In an interview, De Lima said she would be issuing a show cause order against NBP Superintendent Roberto Rabo, as well as the commander of jail guards and personnel from the maximum security compound.

 

"Depende sa mga sagot nila and resulta kahapon sa evaluation I will determine kung sinu-sino i-cha-charge formally," said De Lima.

 

De Lima said at this point, Bureau of Correction Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu is not among those to be investigated. The BuCor supervises and administers the NBP. 

 

Bucayo however was ordered to provide De Lima the names of all personnel in the NBP maximum security compound.

 

De Lima said she is already awaiting a formal report and inventory of the seized items during the raid at the NBP's maximum security compound early Monday. The report will be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III, she said.

 

De Lima said she has already instructed jail personnel to prohibit inmates from getting their hands on cash and mobile phones.

 

The justice secretary vowed to conduct a regular monitoring of the NBP.

 

Among the items seized during the raid were cash, flat-screen televisions, air-conditioning machines, liquor, designer shoes, jewelry, wristwatches, and imported foods.

 

"Seized items can be categorized into illegal per se, [like] drugs and firearms. Iyong iba not per se iligal pero prohibited [like] cash," she said.

 

De Lima said these prohibited items that are not necessarily illegal would placed for "safekeeping." —NB/KG, GMA News