Consult residents, local gov’t to address roadblock ‘security issue,’ BuCor urged

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) should consult the residents as well as the local government to address the “security issue” raised by the bureau as a reason for the recent closure of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) road used by a Muntinlupa village, according to a city official.

Raul Corro, the Majority Floor Leader of the City Council, said that BuCor should be involved in an open dialogue with the residents after Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered BuCor to build a control gate in the wall instead of a wall roadblock.

READ: BuCor to build control gate to replace controversial wall in Muntinlupa village – DOJ chief

“With the order of the DOJ Secretary to remove the roadblock, it becomes more imperative for the BuCor Director and his people to sit down with the affected residents and the local government and discuss ways and means to address the ‘security issue’ raised by BuCor and how they can help make the NBP reservation a more secure and safe place for everyone,” Corro said in a statement on Wednesday.

Corro pointed out that the security and safety of the NBP is not its own concern alone but is also a concern of the residents and the local government.

“Hence the best way to resolve this problem created by Bucor is through an open dialogue and prior consultation,” he pointed out. “Security is everybody’s concern.”

“We can be effective partners in maintaining peace and security in and around the NBP reservation. Closing the road will not solve the problem,” he added.

BuCor built another wall affecting residents of Katarungan Villages Phase 1 and 2 — a DOJ housing project — over the weekend. Angered by the move, the residents reportedly tore the wall down. BuCor personnel, in response, allegedly excavated the road in question.

READ: BuCor wall obstructing access to city proper torn down by affected residents

Corro pointed out that the NBP road has been used as a road-right-of-way since 1992  to segregate 100 hectares of the NBP property for the DOJ housing project.

“That it was closed suddenly without consulting the  thousands of affected residents and the local government of Muntinlupa is a clear case of abuse of authority on the part of the present BuCor officials,” Corro said.

Last March and June, BuCor constructed walls closing off Insular Prison Road, which leads to the Southville 3 government housing project, and a road to the residential community of Type B.

The city council has since declared BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag as persona non grata.

READ: DOJ summons BuCor chief Bantag over wall restricting Muntinlupa village access