
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is looking to build a new headquarters inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
This was revealed during a coordination meeting between PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. at the NBP on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
"The officials discussed ways to intensify PCG and BuCor partnership, specifically in promoting peace and security in the country. They also tackled providing the PCG with a 20-hectare lot within the NBP for future infrastructure development projects to support its growth and modernization," PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Details of the potential infrastructure project are yet to be revealed. The current headquarters of the PCG is located in Port Area, Manila.
However, the BuCor intends to transfer some of its persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to other jail facilities outside Metro Manila to decongest Bilibid and allow the establishment of government offices in the area.
In exchange for the piece of land, the PCG offered the utilization of Coast Guard surface assets and buses for the relocation of the PDLs.
The PCG also proposed to BuCor the utilization of its aircraft during inspections at the prison and penal facilities; and the conduct of capacity building initiatives for BuCor personnel on K9 handling, security, medical and other specialized training.