DOJ orders halt to wall construction by BuCor in Muntinlupa

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday ordered the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to stop its construction of a wall in Barangay Poblacion in Muntinlupa City.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said there needs to be a proper consultation with the local government and the barangay regarding the construction, according to a report by Jhomer Apresto on Super Radyo dzBB.

Guevarra added the DOJ was not advised of BuCor's plans to put up a wall in the said barangay.

Muntinlupa City residents on Friday tore down the wall put up by BuCor as it blocked their access from the Katarungan Village 1 and 2 up to the city proper.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jimmy Fresnedi said the concrete wall also blocked teachers' and students' route to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and Muntinlupa National High School.

Fresnedi also called out BuCor for what it said was a construction done in secret.

The BuCor however on Saturday defended the construction of the wall, saying it was necessary to address the "illegal activities" inside the New Bilibid Prison Camp.

It added that the residents have "more than enough" access points.

Guevarra has called BuCor Director General Undersecretary Gerald Bantag to a meeting on Monday regarding the matter, according to a report by Olan Bola on Super Radyo dzBB. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News