DOJ seeks P30M for VIP inmates' isolation

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice sought funds for the renovation of a structure in New Bilibid Prison's Maximum Security Compound following a revealing raid earlier this week.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said she has asked the Department of Budget and Management for P30 million to complete the renovation of Building 14, where high-profile inmates will be isolated from the rest of the prisoners.

"I called up [Budget] Secretary [Florencio] Abad to follow up the funds for the renovation of Building 14 where drug inmates will be placed so they can be guarded closely," De Lima said in a Philippine News Agency report.

She said the building is currently vacant as the renovation has been stopped earlier this year due to shortage in funds.

Once completed, the structure can accommodate 50 to 100 inmates, including the 19 drug lords plucked out from the correctional facility following Monday's raid.

The prisoners, whose rooms in the prison compound were found to have extraordinary amenities as well as communications equipment, drugs and cash, are currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation facility.

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Citing Bureau of Corrections Director Franklin Bucayu, De Lima said segregating high-profile prisoners will cut their ties off with prison guards, whom they allegedly bribe.

It will also prevent the entry of illegal and prohibited items into the facility.