IN a press conference at the House of Representatives, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo disclosed the information he received from inside the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP), particularly the reported shootout on Tuesday, July 25.
Tulfo said his sources within the Bilibid confirmed that there was indeed a gunfight between two gangs using high-tech firearms.
“My source witnessed the two groups exchanging gunfire. You can hear automatic gunfire, which means they were using high-caliber firearms, not just improvised guns, not just slingshots, but high-tech firearms,” Rep. Erwin Tulfo, ACT-CIS Party-list, said.
The congressman also mentioned that one person was killed in the shootout.
Nine others were injured in the hour-long clash.
The root cause of the violence was said to be linked to illegal drug activities.
Tulfo pointed out that illegal practices inside the Bilibid have resurfaced, including drug-related issues.
“My source stated that the activities, especially in drug-related matters, are ongoing even with a change of leadership. The ongoing drug activities continue. The cell that was supposed to be closed is still operational,” Tulfo added.
Recently, conjugal visits inside Bilibid were extended to one week, but for Tulfo, such extensions were too much.
Reports also emerged regarding inmates in the Maximum-Security Compound ordering food for delivery and using online shopping platforms to have items delivered inside the prison.
In response to these revelations, Tulfo filed House Resolution No. 1136 to investigate the situation inside the prison and this includes the disturbing issue of an inmate who was found dead inside a septic tank in Bilibid.
The missing inmate was identified as Michael Cataroja, who had a case of violating the Anti-Fencing Law.
Congress urged to probe incidents inside New Bilibid Prison
“Urging the appropriate House Committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the incident of inmate Cataroja who was reported missing from the maximum-security compound and then found dead inside the septic tank of NBP,” according to Tulfo.
Tulfo said he had already coordinated with Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Crispin Remulla regarding such reports inside Bilibid.
The public disclosure of the information is a result of their coordination with the justice secretary.
“Secretary Remulla responded when I exposed this in my radio program last week. After 2 days, Secretary Remulla ordered the search for Cataroja. We received 15 reports, and I think we exposed 17, and two days later, Sec. Remulla instructed to find him,” Tulfo said.
The NBP houses convicted criminals, and according to the congressman who revealed these inside stories, the government should address the problems promptly.
