BOC, DOJ, Muntinlupa discuss tourism for Bilibid historical sites

The Bureau of Corrections, the Department of Justice and the local government of Muntinlupa on Monday met to discuss turning several sites within the New Bilibid Prisons premises into historical landmarks.

According to a statement, the Muntinlupa Tourism, Culture and Arts Department proposed tours of these sites once the partnership has been approved in order to “[safeguard] the cultural heritage of the city.”

“This MOA further strengthens [the city’s] commitment to preserving its rich history,” read the statement.

On the Muntinlupa Tourism website, sites inside the New Bilibid Prison include:

• The Director’s Quarters, the official residence of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons
• Jamboree Lake, the smallest lake in the Philippines
• Japanese Cementery, the burial place of executed Japanese soldiers during the war and rumored resting place of General Tomoyuki Yamashita
• Osawa Shrine, dedicated to Kiyoshi Osawa
• Memorial Hill, the resting place of longest-serving prison director Major Eriberto B. Misa Sr.

BOC Director-General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said that they supported the LGU in their efforts to preserve and maintain cultural and historical landmarks within the New Bilibid Prisons. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News