Why was illegal activity able to flourish at New Bilibid Prison?

By Henry Omaga

MANILA – As early as January, Philippine authorities have been receiving tips regarding illegal activities at New Bilibid in Muntinlupa.

But the recent raid showed the extent of the prison scandal, which includes drugs, guns, and high-profile inmates living in luxury.

ABS-CBN informants say the NBP holds concerts and parties nearly every week and hands out raffle prizes during these events. That’s now what saddens German Agojo, a convicted drug lord who was transferred after the raid.

But apparently, it’s not just the raffle and music some inmates miss.

During Monday’s raid, authorities also found computers, drugs, money and guns – items that could not have been brought inside the prison without the knowledge of officials and guard.

One inmate, Herbert Colangco, was able to set up a music studio right inside his room and record albums and music videos that even won him an award. On the cover of his album, he thanked Corrections Chief Franklin Bucayu and several other prison and government officials. But, Bucayu denies any knowledge of the recording facility.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales is looking for answers.

She has created a five man investigative panel hoping Bucayu and other prison officials would be able to explain why inmates were given such privileges and why illegal activities flourished inside the NBP. Bucayu says he reshuffled the guards after learning of these activities earlier in the year.

But Monday’s raid clearly showed that reshuffle failed.

Morales says the investigation will focus on whether or not prison officials should be charged with graft and corruption.