De Lima orders probe of Bilibid’s VIP prisoners

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered yesterday an investigation into reported VIP treatment of high-profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

“I have directed (Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan) to immediately probe those reports and submit a report,” she said in a text message.

De Lima issued the order after the group Bilibid Atin Ito said that some Chinese prisoners enjoy large, air-conditioned cells with hot and cold water on tap. These cells are equipped with 42-inch televisions, laptop computers and Wi-Fi connection.

They also reportedly enjoy the use of scooters, golf carts, two-way radios and bodyguards.

The group also said the trade in illegal drugs, guns and prostitution as well as “extortion, suspicious deaths of inmates and protection of inmate killers are what is presently happening in this (compound).”

A convicted robbery gang leader was also allegedly given the privilege of staying in a big kubol, with a cook, a waiter and bodyguards after he donated money to upgrade the NBP Hospital, the group said.

Just last month, convicted drug lord and Sigue Sigue Sputnik gang commander Ricardo Camata was taken to the Metropolitan Hospital in Manila due to a lung ailment. He was allegedly entertained by starlets and television dancers in his hospital room.

Herbert Colangco, alias Ampang, leader of the bank robbery gang responsible for the heists in Pampanga in 2003 and Quezon City and Parañaque in 2005, was also brought to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Earlier, Amin Buratong, the operator of the drug flea market in Pasig, was taken to Medical City due to coronary artery disease and a liver ailment.

NBP officials have denied the alleged VIP treatment of rich prisoners.

NBP superintendent Fajardo Lansangan said ailing inmates may have air-conditioning units installed, provided they pay for the electric bills. Television sets are also allowed, he said, adding that they “cannot deprive the inmates” of the chance to “know what is happening outside” the prison.