No more surprise: De Lima announces 2nd Bilibid raid

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday announced that the Department of Justice will conduct another inspection inside the New Bilibid Prison compound.

The second, undated raid will target those convicted of drug-related cases, De Lima said.

About 100 personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines raided the correctional facility's Maximum Security Compound on Monday.

Dubbed "VIP Prisoners," 19 inmates were transferred after authorities discovered firearms, illegal drugs, cash, gadgets, appliances, communication facilities and other amenities in their rooms.

De Lima said that the Bureau of Corrections is only finalizing the list of inmates who will be the target of the second raid.

She said that transfer of the drug lords after Monday's raid will hamper much of the drug trade in the country.

Convicts' movements and influence will be limited when they are separated from other prisoners, De Lima said.