More weapons, drugs seized in 3rd NBP raid

MANILA, Philippines - More weapons and illegal drugs were confiscated during yet another raid on the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) last Monday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday.

A hand grenade, a 9mm Springfield Armory pistol, another handgun, a weighing scale and a sachet said to contain shabu was found in a hole underneath a cement bench at the back of Building 5-C in the NBP’s maximum security compound, De Lima said.

De Lima said the raid was conducted by the Security and Response Unit upon the instructions of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Bucayu.

“We continue to look for all other hidden contraband. Remember, tomorrow is my deadline for (inmates) to produce all contraband,” she said.

Bucayu won’t get the boot – yet

Meanwhile, De Lima said Bucayu won’t be removed from his post yet, pending the results of an investigation into the irregularities in the NBP.

The final decision would depend on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probers’ findings on the luxurious living conditions enjoyed by several inmates, the illegal drug trade within the national penitentiary, among other anomalies.

“It appears to me that Bucayu was not in cahoots with the inmates. Perhaps he was hoodwinked by his men because he issued guidelines but these were not implemented,” De Lima said, adding that “at the very least, his shortcoming was that he was not hands-on.” 

“And if you really want something done, you have to do it yourself,” De Lima said.

She said while she does not usually give timetables, the NBI is expected to finish its investigation by the first quarter of 2015. “This is a pressing and scandalous issue. And I think that (the first quarter) is a reasonable timetable,” she said.

Lesson learned

De Lima said Bucayu appeared to have learned his lesson and that “we still need him.” 

“It will be difficult to change the BuCor leadership at this point when we have to implement several reforms. Now he submits reports every day,” she said. 

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales also ordered a separate investigation on the BuCor officials. 

During the first raid on the NBP, police commandos found illegal drugs, cash, sex toys, a jacuzzi, guns and Rolex watches in the villas of high-profile inmates. 

More hidden rooms, a martial arts gym, illegal sex enhancers and expensive appliances were discovered when the NBI raiding team struck anew last week. 

Cleanup

De Lima said President Aquino was particularly alarmed by reports that illegal firearms got into the penitentiary and would like authorities to get to the bottom of the matter. 

Aquino also tasked De Lima to clean up the NBP and make sure all the irregularities would not happen again. 

Investigators also discovered that the BuCor allowed robbery gang leader Herbert Colangco to hold a concert at a hotel and casino in Pasay City last September. Colangco’s posters were plastered on the NBP’s walls.