Remulla says there could be 3 mass graves inside NBP

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said there could be mass graves inside the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“There was already talk about mass graves inside the maximum security compound. And apparently, there are two, three septic tanks inside that may possibly be areas where mass graves are located,” Remulla said at a media briefing.

Remulla said this could be a sign that there was something “mysterious” going on at the correctional facility.

“Tomorrow morning, I [will call] General [Gregorio] Catapang to come forth para mag usap kami sa mga pangyayari sa loob. Kasi nga very worrisome ang ganitong sitwasyon,” he said.

[Tomorrow morning, I will call General Catapang to come forth and discuss what’s happening there. The situation has become worrisome.] 

The Justice Secretary is also seeking to invite international criminal justice expert and consultant Dr. Raymund Narag.

“Kasi si Dr. Narag ang aming inaasahan to do many of this analysis sa loob. Kasi nga kaya kinuha namin si Dr. Narag as our expert, he has a doctorate in the criminal justice system,” Remulla said.

[We expect Dr. Narag to do analysis there. We got Dr. Narag as our expert since he has a doctorate in the criminal justice system.] 

On Wednesday, Remulla said that a decapitated body was found at the maximum security compound. He said the body was found at the Sputnik quarters while authorities were still searching for the head.

Remulla believes the body belonged to the 25-year-old person deprived of liberty (PDL) who has been missing from the compound since July 15.

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), however, has yet to confirm this.

“Baka yung identity lang hindi nila ma identify properly. Pero may nahanap silang decapitated,” the Justice Secretary said when asked about the BuCor’s non-confirmation.

[Maybe they could still not identify the body properly. But they found a decapitated (body).]

““Bakit ang nahanap nila ay isang katawan na walang ulo, hindi natin alam. Pero ganoon kalupit ang pangyayari sa loob talaga ng BuCor,” Remulla said in a "24 Oras" report.

[Why we found a decapitated body, we don't know. But that is how cruel the situation is inside the BuCor.] —with Sherylin Untalan/RSJ/NB, GMA Integrated News