Blast rocks maximum security at Bilibid: NCRPO

October 11, 2019

An explosion occured inside the maximum security compound of New Bilibid Prison on Friday, according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). No casualties were reported since all the inmates vacated the areas since Wednesday.

Major General Guillermo Eleazar said the incident transpired around 10 am inside Quadrant 4 at the east sector of the maximun security compound.

Eleazar said they received a call from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) informing them about the explosion while demolition on Quadrant 1 is ongoing.

"This (area) is not yet demolished. Initially, the finding is it is caused by an improvised explosive device," he said.

The Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD) team conducted thorough search within the area for possible secondary explosive device using explosive detection dogs.

During paneling, two grenade hands and two blasting caps were recovered inside the shanties adjacent to the explosion site.

The NCRPO chief said it is possible other inmates placed the explosive in the area.

"It could be a trap for our demolition officers," Eleazar said as the removal of the structures will be a hindrance for the inmates who placed their illegal contraband in the areas.

On the discovery of explosive devices, he said if inmates can bring big items inside such as billiard tables, it is also possible for them to bring small items.

Eleazar said the explosion site was previously occupied by the Abu Sayyaf, Maute- ISIS, Rajah Solaiman Group, Jemaah Islamiya and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Ella Dionisio/DMS