De Lima orders probe into killings at New Bilibid Prison

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Monday she has asked officials at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to look into the clash between two gangs during a volleyball game that left two prisoners dead and another wounded.

De Lima said she would confer with NBP officials about the riot when she visits the penitentiary on Tuesday to speak at the graduation of new prison guards.

An initial report sent to her by Bureau of Corrections Director Franklin Bucayu said that the stabbing incident happened at 8:15 a.m. Monday at the GIG basketball court where a volleyball game was being played.

Bucayu quoted the NBP superintendent as saying that the first victim was stabbed by a fellow prisoner after he picked up the ball.

“This resulted in two dead, one wounded and one suspect arrested,” Bucayu said in a text message to De Lima, who then shared the information  with reporters.

De Lima said the riot happened between the Batang City Jail gang and the Sputnik gang.

“I want to know what exactly triggered that— was it the game or something else?” she said.

She said she intends to find out from NBP officials on Tuesday why prisoners have improvised weapons in their possession.

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