Big cache of weapons seized in Bilibid raid

INMATES’ ARMORY Assorted firearms and ammunition are among the items authorities seized in dormitories where members of prison gangs stay at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Also confiscated were electronic gadgets and even a “musang” (civet cat) in a cage. EDWIN BACASMAS

Authorities seized firearms and electronic gadgets in dormitories occupied by at least four prison gangs at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City Wednesday morning.

The raiders also found a caged civet cat, locally known as “musang,” which is either being kept as a pet or as a source of exotic coffee.

Msgr. Robert Olaguer, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) spokesperson,  said a joint team from the BuCor, Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency raided Dormitories 2, 5 and 9, where members of prison gangs Sigue-sigue Sputnik, Commando, De Cuerna and Genuine Ilocano were staying.

Seized during the raid were high-powered firearms, airsoft guns, mobile phones, chargers, over 60 bladed weapons, wooden knuckles and drug paraphernalia. There were also sex toys, a television and a personal refrigerator.

Also confiscated was assorted cash worth P140,000 in P1,000 bills.

“I think the firearms have been concealed there for a long time. It would certainly take several years to hoard them. It’s only now that we’re discovering them because this time, the information is coming from inmates themselves,” Olaguer told reporters in a text message.

Some of the guns were found concealed beneath a concrete stage between Dormitory 2 and 9. The stage is used for performances and programs.

The BuCor, citing ongoing investigations, declined to identify the owners of the kiosks or “kubol” in the dormitories where guns and contraband were found. Kiosks are private rooms occupied by prison gang leaders and prominent prisoners.

On Oct. 27, Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa ordered BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz III to investigate the continued entry of contraband into the state penitentiary.

The investigation was ordered after authorities found guns, cash and jewelry in the kiosk belonging to a Commando inmate, Charlie Quidato, shortly after he was killed.

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