By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. on Tuesday said that approximately 200 high-value detainees at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City will soon be transferred to a maximum-security facility.
In a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary Remulla tackled plans for establishing a maximum-security facility that will house inmates allegedly involved in illegal drugs on account of the confiscated cellphones and illegal drugs during recent sweeps inside NBP despite prior raids.
Remulla said authorities are investigating the sources of the drugs inside NBP, with the key objective of disrupting drug trade communication.
The Interior Secretary also shared that President Marcos is well aware of the issue and has directed them to take proactive measures.
“I think the operations (of the maximum security facility) will start pretty soon. And we should see a marked difference in the war against drugs in the Philippines,” Secretary Remulla said.
For security reasons, Remulla declined to provide details about the facility’s location.
Meanwhile, President Marcos convened with the DILG, Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen collaboration in the administration’s fight against prohibited narcotics.
-av