29 NBP inmates have died since clearing ops started

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-nine inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have died since an interagency group started the demolition of “kubols” or shelters in the prison’s maximum security compound around a month ago.

Data from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) showed that 10 convicts died of communicable diseases while 14 others died of non-communicable ailments. Five inmates have yet to be subjected to autopsy.

Six inmates died of pneumonia. Four others died of tuberculosis.

Seven inmates died of heart-related illnesses. The remaining five died of sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and peritonitis or tissue inflammation in the abdominal wall, respectively.

Authorities, however, did not reveal the ages and criminal profiles of the deceased convicts.

According to the prison agency, these deaths occurred in a span of less than 15 days, starting on Oct. 9 when government agencies started to demolish kubols used by high-profile convicts in Bilibid.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, BuCor Director Gerald Bantag clarified that medical issues caused the deaths of the inmates, long before the demolition started.

“Even before the demolition started, several inmates have been dying. The convicts say these themselves… If they die, it would only be due to medical issues,” Bantag said.

BuCor spokesperson Wena Fe Dalagan said they were never remiss on checking the medical needs of inmates.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue supporting the reforms initiated by the BuCor after 16 policemen were nabbed for allegedly sneaking contraband into the Bilibid.

Chief of Directorial Staff Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, who inspected the NBP yesterday, said the case of the policemen would not be a hindrance in the BuCor’s reform programs.

Eleazar said the PNP supports the purging of corrupt prison guards and employees.

Relatives of inmates at the NBP have urged lawmakers to pass measures that seek to establish reforms in the prison system, Sen. Leila de Lima said.

In an e-mail sent to her office, De Lima said the wife of an inmate alleged that persons deprived of liberty were maltreated by authorities during the clearing operations in Bilibid.