1 dead, 3 hurt in Bilibid riot during Oplan Galugad

An inmate was killed while three others were injured in a riot that broke out while Bureau of Corrections officers were conducting Oplan Galugad search operation at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

In a report by Marisol Abdurahman on Balitanghali on Thursday, the BuCor reported that a scuffle among inmates erupted while BuCor personnel conducted the search operations on Tuesday, June 1.

An elderly inmate reported that he was punched by another. His companions at his dorm got angry over the [attack], said BuCor spokesman Assistant Secretary Gabriel Chaclag in Filipino.

"One was stabbed during our search operations, while others fought in a separate area. Others' impression was that a riot transpired," Chaclag added.

Chaclag said the suspect was immediately arrested.

More than 100 arrows, nearly a hundred bolos and machetes, and hi-tech cellphones and gadgets were recovered during the inspection at the maximum security compound.

Deadly and bladed weapons were also recovered at the medium security compound.

Inmates' boredom due to absence of visitors was seen as one of the reasons for their being short tempered, the official said.

Visitors are still prohibited at the national penitentiary due to COVID-19 protocols.

"We depend on the IATF protocols. Even if we allow visits, people are still prohibited to travel. Common sense, we follow the prevailing situation outside," Chaclag said. —Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News