De Lima orders probe of Bilibid inmates’ house, pool

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered an investigation into a house and swimming pool allegedly built by high-profile inmates in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. 

De Lima said yesterday she immediately directed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Franklin Bucayu to conduct the probe on the report of The STAR about a two-story house supposedly built by convicted shabu flea market operator Amin Imam Boratong and a swimming pool of high-profile drug trafficking inmate Jaybee Sebastian. 

“I read the report yesterday (Monday). That’s something new, so I immediately ordered an investigation. I’m now waiting for the report from Bucayu,” she told reporters in an ambush interview during the 1st National Competition Conference in Pasay City. 

De Lima said she instructed the BuCor chief, who has supervision over the NBP, to quickly conclude the probe and submit the report so she could act accordingly. The bureau is an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

De Lima explained that inmates should not be allowed to own or build properties within the national penitentiary.

She said the probe would also cover the pool allegedly built by Sebastian, but stressed that the report was denied by BuCor officials. 

Asked what she would do if there is indeed a house owned by Boratong in the maximum security compound of NBP, she replied: “Heads must roll for those who are responsible.” 

NBP superintendent Robert Rabo explained that the house attributed to Boratong serves as a “praying area” for convicted Muslim elders. 

He said the house, which has been there years before he assumed his post last June, was donated by the former Office of Muslim Affairs. 

Rabo believes that the “rumor” about the Boratong property inside the NBP came either from parties interested in their positions or those affected by their reforms. 

He stressed that Boratong stays in Dorm 9-B and does not stay in the facility, which is also not air-conditioned – contrary to the report. 

De Lima also admitted that the problems in the NBP are systemic and would take some time before they could be addressed effectively.

“That’s why we are really looking forward to the IRR (implementing rules and regulations) of the BuCor Modernization law, which we will launch this Friday,” she stressed. 

President Aquino signed last May Republic Act 10575 or the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, which will enable the government to upgrade prison facilities, professionalize the bureau and increase the salary and other benefits of its personnel. 

Bucayu said they are planning to provide immediate solutions to perennial problems in the penitentiary, particularly the congestion of some 33,000 inmates in the facility that could house only up to 9,000 people.

He said there is a need to build small-scale facilities to segregate the inmates according to their classifications: high risk, highly violent and suicidal, among others.

“This is necessary for our therapeutic and reform program for inmates. We have to remember that our penitentiary is a four-walled community or town and not like the city jails,” he said.

– With Aie Balagtas See