NBP: Bilibid ‘tunnel’ only a drainage system

New Bilibid Prison / Wikipedia Photo

MANILA — The supposed tunnel found within the premises of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) is not an escape route but rather a drainage system, according to an NBP official.

According to NBP Superintendent Roberto Rabo, the tunnel that was discovered after a pipe-laying project is only an old drainage.

“This is an old drainage that was used by the NBP maximum security compound,” Rabo said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer, dismissing reports that the tunnel was used by the inmates as an escape route.

He added that from the ocular conducted by the police, the tunnel only measures 10 meters long.

Moreover, the tunnel has no exit point.

Recently, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima directed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Bucayu to do the necessary investigations on the tunnel to which Rabo said that NBP is ready for it.