Drug lords at NBI got cash – DOJ

MANILA, Philippines - Not even their isolation at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) prevented high-profile drug convicts from getting contraband, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday.

She confirmed that some of the inmates transferred to the NBI detention facility following a series of raids at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) last month were able to get sums of cash despite a supposed ban.

A fuming De Lima has ordered an investigation.

“I want to know when (most probably during the long holiday break) and how it could have happened and who are involved – either or both NBI and BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) personnel assigned at the NBP extension facility at NBI, and possibly even regular detainees at the NBI detention facility itself,” she said in a text message.

She has tapped the NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crimes Division, led by Head Agent Rommel Vallejo.

Asked what actions she would take against officials liable for the incident, she replied: “I will wait first for the results of the ongoing probe into that security lapse. I will decide on that once we have the results of the probe.”

Those transferred to the NBI following the first raid at NBP last Dec. 15 were Noel Martinez, Michael Ong, Willy Sy, Peter Co, Eugene Chua, Chua Sam Li, Vincent Sy, George Sy, Joel Capones, Herbert Colangco, Amin Imam Boratong, Clarence Dongail, Tom Chua, Rommel Capoines, Jojo Baligad, Jacky King Sy, Willy Chua, Jacky King Sy and Herman Agojo.  

Seized from them were illegal drugs, cash, firearms and other contraband.

NBP reviewing visiting privileges

Meanwhile, NBP officer-in-charge Superintendent Richard Schwarzkopf Jr. said they are reviewing the visiting privileges of the 14,500 inmates at the prison’s maximum security compound to prevent a repeat of an inmate’s attempt to rape an eight-year-old girl visiting her father, also an inmate.

He told The STAR he is finalizing a recommendation to the BuCor and the Department of Justice for the revision of the existing rules on visits by relatives and friends.

At the NBP’s maximum security compound, at least 3,000 relatives and friends visit the detainees each day from Wednesday to Sunday, with visiting hours set from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Schwarzkopf said the visiting privileges will be adjusted for family members of inmates from far-flung areas.

He said the inmates’ family members are on a computer database to allow them easy access to visiting areas while friends are strictly screened to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons.

Senate probe

The Senate will conduct an inquiry in the reported special treatment among high-profile prisoners at the NBP and the alleged rape attempt on young girl last New Year’s Day, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday.

She said she hopes to convene the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, which she chairs, shortly after Congress resumes session on Jan. 19.

According to Poe, she will request Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, to conduct the probe along with her committee. – With Perseus Echeminada, Christina Mendez