SAF takes over New Bilibid Prison’s medium security building

MANILA, Philippines — The elite police Special Action Force (SAF) has expanded its control of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to curb the illegal drug trade at the NBP.

The SAF took over the NBP’s medium security compound last week amid the alleged transfer of drug transactions from the maximum security building.

SAF commandos conducted a clearing operation dubbed “Oplan Lightning Strike 2” at the medium security compound on Thursday.

SAF chief Director Noli Taliño said they confiscated 54 sachets of shabu, a pack of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, P81,453 in cash, electronic gadgets and appliances as well as bladed weapons and other contraband.

Taliño said the illegal drugs were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition. The money was turned over to the NBP cashier.

Last month, PDEA officials reported that drug deals originating from Bilibid have flourished.

The PDEA said it received information that  drug transactions at the national penitentiary intensified after high-value inmates from the maximum security building were transferred to the medium security compound.

Earlier, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he wanted SAF troopers to man the medium security building.

President Duterte has appointed Dela Rosa as the next chief of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to stop the illegal drug trade at the NBP.

Last December, Duterte extended Dela Rosa’s term for three months.

The PNP chief’s first term extension was supposed to end in April. But the President again extended his tour of duty.

Dela Rosa was supposed to retire on Jan. 21 when he turned 56 years old.

He said he is not in a hurry to take over the BuCor post.

“I think the problem of illegal drugs inside the NBP is being addressed by the BuCor leadership,” Dela Rosa said.