https://youtu.be/x3htSbQgS1k
(Eagle News) – In this report by Eagle News Service reporter Meanne Corvera, various witnesses detailed the various money-making schemes at the Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa City.
In the fifth hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon and Justice Committee, former Bucor officer-in-charge Director Rafael Ragos testified about the privileges which inmates get at the right price.
These include the entry of prostitutes – called tilapia by BuCor insiders – and the entry of various other contraband.
Kidnap for ransom and gambling also happens even inside the BuCor facilities.
“Marami pong unusual transactions sa maximum security, mg tilapia — nakakapasok sila dyan ng babae sa mga high profile inmates. Enjoy sila roon, dancers entertainers, after a while nagiging girlfriend o asawa,” Ragos said.
He said the rate for tilapia is P30 for one night usually.
One of the inmates who pay for this service is Peter Co, Ragos claimed.
He also revealed the system of collection of “tara” from prisoners which he said benefited government officials.
Ragos again cited the incident where he allegedly delivered “tara” money to then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
Another National Bureau of Investigation agent Jun Ablen also confirmed Ragos’ claims.
They also detailed how kidnap for ransom plans for certain rich Chinese nationals are hatched inside the National Bilibid Prisons. The kidnapping activities happen with the connivance of prison guards, they said.
Another witness, a former inmate, talked about how prison officials, including staff of the NBP hospital, earn from allowing inmates to use hospital facilities and get medical records and other documents for a fee.
Former Valencia city mayor Jose Galario Jr., testified along with his daughter where they detailed how they had to shell P1,000 each time they make a request for medical records.
Inmates, he said, also pay medical personnel huge sums of money just to be able to stay at the NBP hospital or get a pass for a medical stay outside the NBP.
