Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5) — Over 2,800 “kubols” or cubicles in 13 buildings at the New Bilibid Prison have been dismantled in a bid to improve the safety and security of inmates, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. said on Tuesday.
An inmate was able to escape from Bilibid’s maximum security compound in July, prompting BuCor officials to impose stricter measures inside the national penitentiary.
Catapang noted that they can now monitor the movement of inmates.
“Hindi na sila pwedeng gumawa ng illegal activities — nagsusugal o illegal trading ng mga drugs or whatever,” he said.
“Tinanggal natin lahat ng dingding,” he also explained. “Hopefully, malagyan ng CCTV para nakikita natin ano ginagawa nila even if they’re inside their kubols or cubicles.”
[Translation: They won’t be able to perform illegal activities — from gambling or illegal trading of drugs or whatever. We have removed all the walls. Hopefully, CCTVs will be installed so we can monitor what they’re doing even if they’re inside their kubols or cubicles.]
Catapag ordered the dismantling of the structures in August so contraband still in the possession of persons deprived of liberty could be seized.
To decongest Bilibid, Catapang said they have transferred 997 inmates, including Chinese drug lords, to prison facilities in Iwahig in Palawan and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro.
Catapang said they also hope to implement the cashless policy in Bilibid where an inmate will be allowed to have ₱2,000 worth of coupons per week or ₱8,000 per month.
