Bilibid execs warned: Don’t deal with drug lords

MANILA, Philippines - Officials and employees of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) should avoid dealing with convicted drug lords, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday.

In a speech during the prison’s 109th anniversary, she said the Bureau of Correction (BuCor) must reassert its authority over high-profile inmates.

She expressed concern that high-profile drug lords were able to continue their businesses because some NBP personnel play deaf or are afraid to offend the inmates.

“You are creating a monster that one day will devour you,” De Lima said.

She said while relatives and friends of the drug lords and high-profile inmates may approach them, they must never let down their guard. 

“You are the boss, not the other way around,” she said.

De Lima said the implementing rules and regulations of the Bucor reform law will be out this week. The IRR includes the salary standardization of Bucor personnel and upgrading of prison facilities.