Did you know: Old Bilibid Prison

The country’s first national penitentiary, the Old Bilibid Prison, was founded through a Spanish royal decree, on June 25, 1865. Located at Oroquieta Street, Manila, it was originally named “Carcel y Presidio Correccional” and had the capacity of over 1,120 prisoners. Because of congestion, the penitentiary was transferred to a new facility in Muntinlupa, and was renamed the New Bilibid Prison. On November 15, 1940, all inmates of the Old Bilibid Prison in Manila were transferred to the new site.—Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research