Time to call in the troops to restore order at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP)?
A lawmaker is urging President Aquino to place the national penitentiary under the temporary management of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent the outbreak of violence and lawlessness in the facility.
In response to reports about the “worsening situation” in the NBP, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice has filed a resolution calling for military intervention in the prison managed by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under the Department of Justice.
“This worsening situation is allegedly caused by rampant anomalies ranging from the prisoners’ smuggling of firearms and explosives, prostitution workers, communication gadgets, signal boosters, scanning and jamming devices, alcoholic drinks, domesticated animals including fighting cocks, and manufacturing of illegal drugs inside the prison premises,” Erice said.
In an explanatory note, he observed that the illegal activities appeared to stem from illegal drug operations “perpetuated by cunning prisoners with the support or tolerance” of corrupt Bilibid officials.
He cited a July 2, 2014, report by the officer in charge of the prison’s maximum security compound that as many as 78 percent of the inmates tested positive for illegal drugs.
On Nov. 11, guards who launched a surprise raid found 235 grams of drugs packed in small plastic sachets in the ceiling of a common sleeping area for inmates, Erice said.
Aside from drugs, the inmates “have allegedly been able to bring in scanning and jamming devices to help keep the illegal trade safe and unhindered by delaying, if not keeping, inspectors at bay,” the lawmaker added.
Erice also noted that in the last two years, at least three people from the BuCor were killed under circumstances believed to be related to their work at the NBP.
He assailed what he called the “audacity” of prisoners in repeatedly violating laws, disregarding policies, and treating the NBP premises as their own little kingdom, due to their connections either to unscrupulous jail officers or hired guns who could neutralize the incorruptible ones.
“While there still exist honest members from the ranks of the bureau who faithfully perform their official mandate, threats not only to their lives, but also to their careers, cannot just be disregarded,” Erice said.
In the proposed measure, he asked Mr. Aquino to transfer the management of the Bureau of Corrections to the AFP on a temporary basis.
“The 1987 Constitution designated the President as the Commander in Chief of all Armed Forces of the country and whenever it becomes necessary, to call out such Armed Forces to prevent lawless violence, invasion or rebellion,” Erice said.
It appears the situation in the NBP now warrants a military solution, he added.