Bato wants expanded role for SAF inside Bilibid

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

Amid reports that the drug trade has emerged at the Medium Security Compound (MSC) of the New Bilibid Prisons, police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said members of the Special Action Force (SAF) should also be deployed at the facility.

Another company-sized SAF unit could be deployed to the NBP to augment jail guards at the 6,000 inmates at the MSC, Dela Rosa said.

SAF troopers are currently securing high-profile inmates at the Maximum Security Compound and “Building 14.”

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency recently disclosed that drug deals have taken place inside the medium security facility of Bilibid.

“To address that issue, I strongly recommend to the management of the (Bureau of Corrections) and to the director of SAF na pati ‘yung medium security i-cover ng SAF. And kung mayroon na namang another issue na ang drug transaction nasa minimum compound, then pati minimum i-cover na natin,” Dela Rosa said in an ambush interview.

Asked how soon the PNP plan could be implemented, Dela Rosa said, “ASAP!”

Dela Rosa and SAF chief Director Noli Taliño led the turnover of at least 300 commandos to replace their counterparts at the NBP.

The commandos came from different SAF battalions in the country, including those who were meritoriously promoted for fighting ISIS terrorists in Marawi City.

“Tinalo n’yo nga ang ISIS sa Marawi, ito pa kayang Bilibid drug lords?” Dela Rosa said as he addressed the troopers during the ceremony. /cbb