Bilibid's maximum security compound overcrowded with up to 19,000 inmates

About 19,000 inmates are forced to live together in congested prison cells at the New Bilibid Prison's maximum security compound.

In Jun Veneracion's report on GMA's 24 Oras, the prisoners showed how difficult it was for them to sleep in a packed prison facility.

The inmates sleep side by side facing one direction and when have to urinate, they use a plastic container instead of going to the comfort room so they do not lose their sleeping space.

Some sleep in small nooks called "kubol," that are almost the same size as pigeon cages.

With what was supposed to be one level for the inmates' sleeping quarters, this was converted into three levels to accommodate more people.

The maximum security compound's capacity is only for 4,500 prisoners but the population has grown to about 19,000.

Since 2015, 5,000 have been added to the number of prisoners were transferred to the maximum security compound and many of the cases are related to the illegal drugs trade.

There are thousands of inmates waiting for sentencing.

"Ang worry namin kapag dumating nitong 2019 or two years pa, pag nasintensyahan yung kalahati doon sa 143,000 or baka 10,000 or 20,000 lang, pag napunta rito sa Bureau of Corrections, talagang aapaw po kami," Maximum Security Compound Chief Inspector Roger Boncales said.

Contraband

Aside from the issue of congestion, the entry of contraband in the prison is a grave concern.

If one inmate is caught with contraband, the entire cell block will not be allowed to meet visiting friends or relatives.

In the recent months, the authorities have been able to intercept some bundles of tobaccos that have been thrown over the fence from outside the maximum security compound.

The tobacco sticks, amounting to P80 each, are reportedly being sold at P2,000-2,500 each inside the prison facility.

Authorities said that many are still trying to engage in this contraband business because of its high profitability. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News