Guards at Bilibid's maximum security compound to be replaced

A newly-designated official at the New Bilibid Prisons said that one of her first plans as deputy director for operations is to replace all the jail guards at the maximum security compound of the national penitentiary.

 

In a report on GMA's “24 Oras” aired Saturday evening, Atty. Rachel Ruelo,  who is also the chief of the NBP's Women's Correctional Facility, said the move is necessary to remove corruption in the prison, which has been in the spotlight because of the VIP treatment accorded to some high-profile inmates there.

 

“Lahat sa akin may kaso. Kahit na sabihin nilang walang sapat na ebidensiya kasuhan natin 'yan and let them prove na wala talaga silang kasalanan,”Ruelo said.

 

She also said she believes there was collusion between inmates and several NBP officials.

 

"Talagang mayroon tayong kasamang naging pabaya. Kasi mahirap sabihin na hindi puwede yan. Paano maipapasok [ang illegal items sa loob]?" Ruelo said.

 

She said, though, that many prison guards who have been doing their jobs diligently have been cast in a bad light because of the recent mess.

 

Ruelo replaced Supt. Celso Bravo, who was sacked after the Justice Department conducted two raids at the NBP that led to the discovery of the luxurious lifestyle of some inmates there.

 

Also sacked due to the Bilibid mess were Supt. Roberto Rabo and former NBP official Supt. Venancio Tesoro.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has given privileged inmates until Christmas to turn over guns, drugs, and other contraband items and has promised to turn the national penitentiary "upside down" if they don't. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News