PNP-SAF, BuCor conduct surprise ‘galugad’ at New Bilibid Prison

Members of the PNP-Special Action Force and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) conducted a surprise inspection at the maximum security compound of New Bilibid Prison (NBP) early Thursday.

The surprise “Oplan Galugad” focused particularly on the jail cells of Genuine Ilocano Group members, Super Radyo dzBB’s Sam Nielsen said in a report.

BuCor chief Supt. Rolando Asuncion and Officer in Charge for Rehabilitation and Programs Division Supt. Roberto Rabo oversaw the inspection.

Recovered from the operation were several drug paraphernalia, a portable DVD player and speaker.

Genuine Ilocano Group is one of the eight gangs of the Oxo Allied Group, a 7,000-man group allegedly under the control of convicted drug dealer Herbert Colanggo.

Genuine Ilocano Group commander Noel Martinez, who served as a witness at the House inquiry on the proliferation of drugs at the NBP, has earlier said his group does not engage in the illegal drug trade.

PNP-SAF and BuCor operatives also inspected the Building 14 of the national penitentiary to check its security, a separate QRT report on Thursday said.

They are also planning to install a closed circuit television camera at its mess hall, the report added.

On Sept. 28, a stabbing incident occurred at Building 14 which killed Chinese drug lord Tony Co and wounded three other high-profile inmates, including Jaybee Sebastian, Vicente Sy and Peter Co.

In addition, Asuncion said they are planning to build a separate jail cell at the minimum security compound for inmates with spouses due to the lack of proper conjugal visitation area in the national penitentiary. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News