THE Bureau of Corrections yesterday welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation’s probe into the deadly pre-dawn riot at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa last Friday, which claimed the lives of nine gang members.
“As before, our strong partnership with NBI in matters of mutual concern and agency cooperation will be the guiding principle we shall sustain. BuCor regards highly its partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders and shall always uphold these principles,” BuCor said in a statement.
According to BuCor, prison chief Gerald Bantag gave instructions to cooperate with the NBI probe, and to any other agencies which may want to join in the investigation.
“We have instructions to cooperate with the NBI team, be transparent and open so as to fully provide the public a true and accurate account of what has transpired, together with the aim of improving the Bureau’s monitoring system and operational procedures in the future,” BuCor continued.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday ordered Bantag to investigate the bloody pre-dawn riot at the NBP.
” I have asked DG (Director General) Bantag of BuCor to investigate and submit a report to me, ASAP,” Guevarra said in a statement.
BuCor is an attached agency of the Department of Justice.
Nine inmates died and several others were injured in a pre-dawn melee in NBP.
Quoting Bureau of Corrections spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag, the Southern Police District said the altercation transpired at 2:30 am and was controlled by prison officers at 4:00 am.
Seven members of the feared Sputnik Gang were killed, while two inmates from rival Commando Gang perished.
The riot happened at the East Quadrant of the NBP, which was still reeling from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from the NBP in Muntinlupa, the other BuCor prison facilities are Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Oriental Mindoro, Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, and the Leyte Regional Prison in Southern Leyte.
