“We wanted to get to the bottom of the reported resurgence of the drug trade in the NBP. We acted after verifying raw information provided by concerned individuals. I have said it before and I will say it again, we shall be relentless in fighting and eradicating the drug menace.” -Secretary of Justice Vitaliano N. Aguirre II
On July 4, 2017 Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10867 also known as the “National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act” whereby Sections 4 and 5 provide for the Powers and Functions and Jurisdiction of the National Bureau of Investigation which authorizes the President of the Secretary of Justice to direct the NBI to undertake investigation of any crime when public interest so requires, directed the National Bureau of Investigation, through Director Dante A. Gierran, to conduct investigation and case build-up over the reported resurgence of illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.
If evidence warrants, the NBI is also granted the authority to file the appropriate administrative and criminal cases against those responsible.
Further, Director Gierran is required to submit a report to the Office of the Secretary of Justice on its current activities related to the implementation of such order. ### | DOJ PR