Three inmates were killed and 64 others were injured in a new riot between the Commando and Sputnik gangs at the New Bilibid Prison on Monday morning.
Authorities reported that the altercation took place at around 8:30 a.m. in the east quadrant of the prison facility. Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag said the riot began when a member of the Commando was suddenly stabbed.
Guns were used in the riot aside from ice picks and sharp objects. Authorities are now identifying the cause of the commotion and how the weapons got into the facility.
Special Action Force and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) troops of the Philippine National Police (PNP) responded to the upheaval. The PNP was also tapped by the BuCor for the confiscation of the inmates’ weapons.
Chaclag said the situation was difficult and challenging to suppress since security forces were met by gunfire when they entered the facility. Clearing operations have been ongoing at the NBP as of Monday noon.
The BuCor assured that the situation is now under control and no spill over was reported in other quadrants. Some BuCor personnel have been sent home as part of protocol. -Report from Bea Bernardo
