Dismantling of ‘kubol’ at Bilibid to continue despite blast —spokeperson

Despite the blast that rocked the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) early Friday, dismantling of "kubol" or structures inside the cells illegally-built by inmates, will continue, according to the spokesperson of the facility, Alberto Taipuro.

Taipuro, in an interview with GMA News TV's Quick Response Team on Friday, said there is no exact timeline when the operations would be completed.

"Hindi tayo nakakatiyak, ang malinaw lang po ay lilinisin po namin ang maximum security compound," he said.

The area affected by the blast was Quadrant 4 where suspected members of Abu Sayyaf, Maute Group, and other groups with links to terrorists,  were detained.

According to Taipuro, the inmates were the most likely suspects of the blast. They have been moved to Quadrant 3 and have yet to be questioned.

Taipuro said the congestion at the country's main penitentiary is slowly being addressed.

"Sa mga concern po nila tungkol sa pagkain, sa inumin, nag pro-provide naman po kami hindi naman po kami nag kukulang. Ang kuryente ay nai-restore na ng aming mga kasama ganoon rin po ang tubig," Taipuro said.

"Walang dapat ipag-alala ang taong bayan tungkol sa seguridad dito sa maximum security compound at sa kanilang mga kamag anak na maaring mga nakakulong sa loob," he added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News