(Eagle News)–Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday, Oct. 11, announced a probe into the explosion that rocked the New Bilibid Prison amid ongoing clearing operations there.
Guevarra said the Department of Justice oversight committee has directed Bureau of Corrections director general Gerald Bantag to do the same “in coordination with the (Philippine National Police) contingent stationed at NBP.”
“The alleged explosion indicates the magnitude of the security problem” in the facility, he said.
Guevarra said the committee has ordered Bantag to submit a report as well.
Authorities said the explosion took place as jail personnel were clearing the facility of luxurious “kubols” of some inmates.
No one was injured.
Authorities are still trying to determine where the improvised explosive device came from.
Lawmakers had urged a cleanup at the NBP following revelations of massive corruption there. With reports from Moira Encina
