100 more SAF cops to guard NBP

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa yesterday ordered the deployment of additional PNP commandos at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City following reports of a resurgence in illegal drugs in the facility.

Dela Rosa wants around 100 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) deployed at the medium security compound to augment prison guards of the Bureau of Corrections.

According to Dela Rosa, they have received reports that drug transactions are also happening at the medium security compound, where there are around 6,000 prisoners.

Around 300 SAF troopers are currently providing security at the maximum security compound, where there are around 18,000 inmates, and Building 14, where some 100 convicted drug personalities and other high-profile inmates are detained.

“If we won’t take action, it will defeat the purpose why we are here,” Dela Rosa told reporters in an interview.

Asked how soon the plan could be implemented, Dela Rosa said it should be done soon.

“The purpose of SAF’s presence here is to stop the drug trade inside Bilibid,” he added.

If necessary, Dela Rosa is not discounting the possibility of putting SAF police officers even at the minimum security compound, where there are about 500 prisoners.

“If there is another issue that the drug transaction is at the minimum compound, then we should also cover it,” Dela Rosa said.

A fresh contingent from the SAF was deployed at NBP yesterday, replacing the last unit which served its six-month tenure.

Around 300 troopers led by Chief Inspector Christopher Mendoza, a veteran of the armed conflict in Marawi City, replaced their colleagues during a turnover ceremony at the NBP grounds.

They are the fourth batch of SAF troopers deployed at the prison facility since July 20, 2016.

In his speech, Dela Rosa challenged the police commandos to live their motto of by “skill and virtue, we triumph” by not succumbing to temptations and bribes from prisoners, especially convicted drug traffickers.

“I will shoot you myself if you will accept bribes,” said Dela Rosa. “You must stand tall. Always show that you are elite in everything.”

He added: “You can never go wrong if you keep yourself clean.”

Dela Rosa said none of the allegations of corruption hurled against the SAF were found to have basis, according to their own investigation.