Noy eyes NBP transfer to Ecija by yearend

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino wants the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City transferred to the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija before the year ends.

Armed Forces vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. told reporters that Aquino wants a modern national penitentiary to be included in his accomplishment report for 2014.

“The President wants it done by the end of this year,” Catapang said yesterday.

He said a world-class national penitentiary amounting to P40 billion is being eyed at Fort Magsaysay in the municipality of Laur.

Considered the largest military camp in the country, the reservation – named after former President Ramon Magsaysay –  houses the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces and Airborne Forces.

The President’s father Benigno Aquino and fellow former senator Jose Diokno were placed under solitary confinement at the reservation during martial law.

Catapang said the NBP’s transfer is being worked out in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Corrections.