DOJ eyes maximum security prison on island

MANILA, Philippines – High-level criminals at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) may soon find themselves in new cells – on an island.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Friday, July 1, that he is considering moving maximum security inmates, like top drug lords, to highly secured prison facilities in Camp Aguinaldo or Tanay, Rizal, or an island. (IN PHOTOS: Drug lords, murderers, and high living in Bilibid)

“We are also considering transferring them to an island. That is really being considered,” he said. 

The justice secretary said this is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to suppress crime within 3 to 6 months. (WATCH: DOJ under Duterte admin: Reform BuCor, New Bilibid Prison)

According to Aguirre, he is also coordinating with Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to deploy around 300 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers at the NBP. (READ: Understanding the violence in Bilibid)

The prison has long been the subject of controversies due to the proliferation of drugs, violence, and corruption among the inmates and prison guards. (READ: DOJ under Duterte admin: Reform BuCor, New Bilibid Prison)

Aguirre said the SAF troopers will take watch at the NBP in 3 shifts in the span of 3 months to avoid familiarity with the prisoners. They will then be replaced by members of the Philippine Marines. 

Aguirre is also planning to buy a P10-million worth of jammer for the NBP.

Other jammers have been previously installed inside the prison to eliminate drug transactions via cellphones, but Aguirre admitted that the convicted drug lords have found ways to bypass them. 

“We need a very strong jammer,” he said. – Rappler.com