2 killed, 2 hurt as rival gangs clash in New Bilibid Prison

MANILA, Philippines—Two inmates were killed while two others were injured inside the New Bilibid Prisons, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Thursday.

The fatalities were identified as Arturo Oserana and Ramil Cuasito while the two injured were Pablito Rabusa and Felicito Muralla.

De Lima said the inmates were taken to the NBP hospital.

In a text message, De Lima said it was a stabbing incident inside Calvary Church Building 11 at about 1:05 p.m.

“Arturo Operana died 1:20 p.m. and Ramil Cuaito died 1:40 p.m. at the NBP hospital,” De Lima said.

Suspect has been identified as Leo De la Victori of Batang Cebu.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Jesus Bucayu confirmed that the incident was due to conflict between groups.

Bucayu said he already instructed NBP Superintendent Fajardo Lansangan to increase the number of securities inside NBP and review the rules and regulations being followed inside the national penitentiary.

NBP is one of the seven prison colonies under the BuCor.

“I also gave similar instructions to superintendents of the six other colonies,” Bucayu said in a phone interview.

On the other hand, he said the condition of the two wounded are still under observation.

“It will depend upon the recommendation of the doctors here if they need to be taken to a hospital outside prison,” he said.