Elite cops guarding NBP reshuffled, reminded to avoid ‘temptations’

Outgoing SAF stands in formation for the last time in front of the New Bilibid Prison before a new command battalion replaces them today. Marianne Bermudez / INQUIRER

Special Action Force (SAF) commandos guarding the New Bilibid Prison (NBP)’s maximum security compound have again been reshuffled to avoid familiarity between inmates and guards inside the penitentiary.

At least 300 SAF commandos from different battalions in the country were deployed to the NBP in a ceremony led by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and SAF chief Police Director Noli Taliño on Tuesday.

This was the fourth time members of the SAF provisional battalion were reshuffled at the NBP since President Duterte ordered their deployment to the prison in July 2016.

In his speech, Taliño reminded the commandos to avoid the temptation of bribery, especially as they would be mingling with convicts.

“There should be no room for leniency and accuracy knowing you’d be mingling with criminals in the penitentiary,” he said.

“Never allow yourself to be tempted and to go astray,” Taliño added.

The replaced SAF troopers from the NBP will first undergo an orientation at SAF headquarters before being returned to their respective mother units.   /muf