Palace: Those responsible for Bilibid explosion will be punished

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. (Photo by Robert Viñas/Rodolfo Manabat/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — Those responsible for the explosion that killed one inmate and injured 19 others at the national penitentiary will be held accountable, a Malacañang official said Thursday.

“Seryosong bagay ito at lahat ng anggulo hinggil dito ay pinasisiyasat ni Kalihim Leila de Lima (of the Department of Justice) at titiyakin na ang mga dapat managot ay mananagot hinggil dito (This is a serious issue and Sec. Leila De Lima ordered the investigation of all possible angles in order to bring those responsible to justice),” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during the daily press briefing.

The explosion occurred inside Building 5 of the National Bilibid Prison’s Maximum Security Compound at 9:55 a.m. on Thursday. According to reports, investigators have found parts of an MK2 fragmentation grenade at the scene of the blast.

The compound reportedly houses members of the Commando Gang.

Prior to this incident, the Department of Justice has initiated a raid on the Maximum Security Compound, which yielded firearms, cash, liquor, drugs and other contraband.

The Maximum Security Compound also houses convicted drug lords and notorious robbery gang leaders.