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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bilibid's female visitor arrested for attempt to smuggle illegal drugs hidden in private parts -- BuCor

Bilibid's female visitor arrested for attempt to smuggle illegal drugs hidden in private parts -- BuCor

Published Sep 10, 2025 10:25 am
A woman, who registered as a visitor of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, was arrested in her attempt to smuggle illegal drugs in a condom hidden in her private parts.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. identified the woman as Rhea Mercado who was arrested at the NBP last Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 9.
Catapang said Rhea registered as a visitor of Edgardo Mercado, a PDL at NBP’s maximum security compound.
Citing a report from NBP Superintendent Roger Boncales, Catapang said that “Rhea exhibited reluctance to undergo the necessary security procedures, specifically the X-ray body scanning.”
“After expressing discomfort and requesting to use the restroom, she was observed by a guard in a compromising position -- trying to dispose of a suspicious object from her private parts,” Boncales’ report stated.
The guard’s intervention “led to the recovery of a condom containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be illegal drugs,” the report also stated.
After Rhea’s arrest, the confiscated items were sent to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Forensic Laboratory for further analysis. Rhea was turned over to the police for processing, the BuCor said.
“As we continue to address these security issues, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug-related activities and the measures necessary to protect correctional facilities from exploitation,” Catapang said.
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