2 hurt in Bilibid riot

MANILA, Philippines - At least two people were hurt when another riot allegedly erupted at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Saturday.

The two reportedly hurt were Juanito Sy and Mario dela Cruz, both members of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang.

The incident took place as the state penitentiary is still reeling from the barrage of criticisms it gained from a grenade blast in the same compound more than a week ago.

A source from NBP said the riot erupted on Saturday afternoon after Dela Cruz hit Sy, the newly elected leader of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik gang. During the brawl, someone stabbed Dela Cruz three times.

The incident reportedly happened about 5:20 p.m. Dela Cruz was rushed to the Muntinlupa Medical Center shortly before midnight. The condition of Sy, meanwhile, is unknown. The Muntinlupa police, for its part, has yet to receive a report from the NBP.

The source said Sy took over the gang leadership after the 12 gang leaders lording over maximum security compound were ordered removed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima over the grenade blast incident.

“The gangs conducted elections for their new leaders afterward,” the source said.