NBP inmates’ families urge lifting of ‘lockdown;’ BuCor says there’s no such thing

MANILA, Philippines — Families of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Friday urged the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to lift an alleged lockdown imposed on the facility’s maximum-security compound, saying that it might lead to “a humanitarian crisis.”

In a statement, rights group Kapatid (Families and friends of political prisoners) spokesperson Fides Lim expressed concern on the situation, and demanded to know the status of Building 11 in quadrant two of the compound.

The particular building, Lim said, is being housed by political prisoners.

“We have received reports that the building is going to be bulldozed, too,” Lim said. “But for what reason when this building was specially constructed for political prisoners as a category distinct from common criminals.”

The families’ calls were prompted by reports that seven inmates have died in a span of four days since Oct. 15. This was reportedly due to lack of medical attention.

“Overall, our broad demand if for all prisoners at the NBP to be accorded minimum humane treatment in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoner.

Asked about the alleged lockdown, BuCor spokesperson Wena Fe Dalagan said that it was “not true.”

“Not true po, as a matter of fact, may dialogue tayo na isinagawa with the dalaw representatives,” Dalagan said in a text message to reporters.

(Not true, as a matter of fact, we have conducted a dialogue with the representatives.)