DOJ orders probe on Bilibid blast

FILE: New Bilibid Prison (Photo By Jovie Naval via Bureau of Corrections/Website)

MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday ordered a formal investigation into reports of an explosion that occurred inside the New Bilibid Prisons maximum security compound that houses violent inmates.

“The DOJ oversight team has directed the Bucor chief to submit a written report and to commence an investigation in coordination with the PNP contingent stationed at the NBP,” Guevarra confirmed to newsmen.

“Its an indication of how serious the security problem is inside the NBP,” the secretary added.

Based on initial reports, the blast occurred at Quadrant 4 of the NBP maximum security compound while demolition is ongoing around 10 a.m. Friday.

Immediately thereafter, the EOD/K9 team of NCRPO responded to check the area. During the process, it was disclosed that the cause of the explosion was an improvised explosive device (IED) prompting the EOD team to conduct a thorough search within the area.

NCRPO chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said explosives were recovered inside the shanties near Quadrant 4.

“After clearing the area, they were able to recover two hand grenades,” Eleazar said.

Investigation showed that the explosion site was occupied by violent extremist offenders from the Abu Sayyaf Group, Maute Group, the Rajah Solaiman Group, Jemaah Islamiya, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)