DOJ asks P30 million to renovate building for high-risk inmates
National Bilibid Prison
MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested P30 million for the renovation of an isolated maximum-security building inside the National Bilibid Prison, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Wednesday.
“I called [Budget] Secretary [Florencio] Butch Abad to follow up the funds for the renovation of Building 14. That’s where we intend to place the drug inmates so they can be strictly monitored,” De Lima told reporters.
The Building 14 inside the maximum security prison is currently vacant after renovation was halted more than six months ago for lack of funds.
After completion, Building 14 will become a small-capacity jail facility that can accommodate 50 to 100 high-risk inmates.
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Jesus Bucayu said segregation was important to prevent the entry of prohibited items inside the prison facility.
The inmates plucked out from Bilibid after Monday’s surprise inspection are currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation. De Lima said it would be a temporary setup until Building 14 has been renovated.
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