Almost 500 pieces of “bladed and improvised deadly weapons” were recovered today, Jan. 28, during the demolition of old structures and makeshift dwellings called “kubols” inside the maximum-security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Deputy Director General Gabriel P. Chaclag said the demolition activity is aimed at “clearing the East Quadrant as possible hiding places of unauthorized items and improve the security environment within the area.”
Chaclag said the demolition started at 5 a.m., Jan. 28, and personally supervised by BuCor Director General Gerald Q. Bantag with the security provided by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
K9 units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard cleared the East Quadrant first before demolition commenced, he said.
“The removal of kubols were made possible as the old dormitories inside the East Quadrant are now renovated and improved to increase their holding capacity. The cleared area will become common areas for group activities such as sports and educational projects,” he also said.
At the same time, Chaclag said that “other camps will similarly be cleared of illegal, unauthorized and makeshift dwellings.”
The demolition of old structures within the NBP was initiated following the riot last Jan. 2 and escape of prisoners last Jan. 17
During the riot, involved persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) used improvised firearms in the killing of three prisoners and injuring 14 others.
Four prisoners escaped last Jan. 17. They were also armed as they shot three policeman and a fellow inmate in the course of their escape. The injured PDL died.
Two of the escapees were killed during pursuit operations. Two others remained at-large.