Explosion rocks Bilibid as demolition of illegal structures continues

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:45 p.m.) — Metro Manila police on Friday said explosion rocked part of the New Bilibid Prison as the demolition of illegal structures in the penitentiary continued.

A report from the National Capital Region Police Office said that at around 10 a.m. an explosion occurred at quadrant 4 of the maximum security compound in Bilibid.

The police report stated that investigation showed that an improvised explosive device caused the incident. They deployed bomb disposal and K9 teams to look for a possible secondary explosive device.

“During the panelling, two grenade hands and two blasting caps were recovered inside the shanties (or ‘kubol’) adjacent to the explosion site,” the report further read.

The authorities were then continuing the demolition of illegal structures, including shanties of prisoners, at quadrant 1 of the maximum security compound.

Authorities started taking down illegal structures within Bilibid’s maximum security compound last Tuesday.

The police said that upon initial probe, it was found that the explosion site was occupied by violent extremist offenders.

Inmates detained at the said quadrant are from the Abu Sayyaf Group, Maute-ISIS, Rajah Solaiman Group, Jimaah Islamiya and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Blast shows ‘serious security’ problem in Bilibid

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the incident “is an indication of the serious security problem is inside the NBP.”

Guevarra said the Department of Justice oversight team ordered Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag to submit a written report of the incident.

The BuCor chief is also directed to start its investigation and coordinate with members of the Philippine National Police stationed at the Bilibid.

— Kristine Joy Patag