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MANILA, Philippines – Convicts in the New Bilibid Prison will have until Christmas Eve, December 24, to “clean up” the facility, amid public outrage after an inspection revealed several high profile inmates living in the lap of luxury.
Philippine authorities met with prison gang leaders on Friday, December 19, on their second visit to the state penitentiary in a week. (READ: Drug lords, murderers, and high living in Bilibid)
A source told Rappler the gang leaders – some 12 to 15 of them – promised to help the government rid Bilibid of contraband items within the week. Contraband items range from illegal drugs and firearms to computers and cellphones, among others.
On Monday, December 15, an inspection of the prison led by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, government investigators and law enforcers seized more than P1 million ($22,346*) in cash from some 19 convicts who were found to be living in air-conditioned “kubols” decked with jacuzzis, steam showers, and living rooms, to name a few.
The 19 convicts – a mix of drug lords, murderers, and kidnappers – also had in their possession illegal drugs, firearms, and luxury items. (READ: Philippine crime lord enjoys jailhouse rock)
De Lima returned to the prison on Friday to check if the structures had already been taken down. The source said the follow-up to the Monday operation was “satisfactory.” (READ: Why anomalies happen in Bilibid)
The operation scandalized a country already jaded by tales of corruption, and was a result of the government’s campaign to rid Bilibid of illegal activities: the use of illegal drugs, smuggling of contraband items, and corruption of jail personnel.
The same source said the Bureau of Corrections, which runs the Muntinlupa city prison, will lead the checking of the “clean up” and determine where the contraband items will be placed. – Rappler.com
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