Weapons, appliances, antennae seized in 24th raid at Bilibid

MANILA — Stabbing weapons, appliances and antennae were seized by more than 100 Bureau of Corrections personnel during a surprise raid at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison on Tuesday.

Supt. Richard Schwarzkopf, NBP head, said the raid—the 24th since November last year— took place in Quadrant 1, particularly in Building 7 where three groups–Batang Samar Leyte, OXO and Bicol Region Masbate–have been residing.

A report to the Superintendent’s Office showed that the raid began around 5 a.m. and the BuCor personnel confiscated 1.5 liters of distilled yeast, a fan knife, eight batons, three ice picks, a hammer, six DVD players, two standard-colored television sets, two speakers and three antennae.

Also confiscated were six chargers, nine decks of playing cards, one Internet router and one solar panel, among others.

“We did not confiscate any drugs but there were some drug paraphernalia,” Schwarzkopf said.

The 130 personnel also demolished some structures during the raid that ended around 8 a.m., said the NBP head.

Among those demolished were the two-story structure being used by drug convict Melchor Ong.

“It was not that luxurious but he was the only one using it. He had a bathroom, there was a second floor, a bed (so we demolished it),” Schwarzkopf said.

He said Ong—from whom BuCor personnel confiscated several gadgets that included a (Globe) tattoo during a “special operation” the day before—was transferred to Dorm 1B instead.

Also demolished was the second floor of the structure used by drug convict Amin Imam Boratong when he was still in the maximum security compound.

Boratong was transferred to Building 14 of the NBP in 2014, according to Schwarzkopf.

“The first floor of that structure became a function room,” Schwarzkopf said when asked why the first floor was not demolished.

Schwarzkopf said the raid was in compliance with a directive from BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz III to minimize–if not eradicate—  contraband in the facility.  SFM