200 drug convicts moving out of Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — The government will transfer about 200 high-value inmates from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa to what Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla described as “the most secure facility” in Palawan as part of the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“Safe to say, it will be the most secure facility yet built and the communication lines will be totally cut,” Remulla said at a press briefing at Malacañang.

He said the NBP has been identified as the top source of illegal drugs in the country.

“I think the operation (of the maximum security facility) will be set pretty soon. We should see a marked difference in the war on drugs,” Remulla said.

He said several NBP personnel, including jail guards and supervisors, are being investigated.

President Marcos discussed the decision to transfer drug convicts to a maximum security facility during a meeting with Remulla, his brother Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency head Moro Lazo.

The NBP and Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong will be transferred to Palawan, according to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gregorio Catapang Jr.

In his speech during the BuCor’s 119th founding anniversary on Monday, Catapang said preparations for the transfer are underway.

“We will start moving. Palawan will become not only a penal institution, but an agro-industrial zone,” he said.

Catapang said the reception and diagnostic center would remain at the NBP and CIW, which will cater to newly transferred prisoners. — Daphne Galvez