(EDITORIAL)
DESPITE repeated efforts to curb the illegal drug trade within the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), the problem persists, prompting authorities to relocate high-value inmates to an undisclosed location.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has acknowledged the failure of current security measures, including regular inspections and surprise raids, to effectively stop the flow of drugs within the prison.
He has stated that the current system, where authorities conduct regular inspections and raids on cells to search for drugs and contraband, is no longer effective.
According to authorities, small-time drug dealers apprehended outside the prison often claim to have received their supply from within the NBP.
This raises questions about how drugs are able to enter the prison, which is supposed to have tight security.
The issue has become a recurring problem, with numerous directives issued to address it, but to no avail.
A prominent personality previously incarcerated at Bilibid even revealed that the prison housed a shabu manufacturing facility.
This explains why high-profile inmates convicted of drug offenses continue to operate their businesses from within the prison, living a life of luxury and seemingly unaffected by their confinement.
It has also led to suspicions of corruption among prison officials and guards, who have allegedly been involved in facilitating the drug trade.
Despite these concerns, no concrete action has been taken to hold these individuals accountable. Instead, officials have been replaced, but the system remains the same.
Remulla has announced that if the situation does not improve, high-value inmates will be transferred to a remote location where they will be unable to use mobile phones to contact their assets and continue their drug operations.
The authorities are hoping that this relocation will finally put an end to the drug trade within the prison.
However, only time will tell if this drastic measure will be successful.
The government is planning to implement a high-tech facility that will prevent any further drug transactions.
The effectiveness of this new approach remains to be seen in the coming days and months.
