The New Bilibid Prison’s (NBP) Maximum Security Compound in Muntinlupa was rocked by a bomb explosion early this morning.
The blast occurred at 10am, while NBP staff were demolishing kubols, or villas, owned by prominent inmates at the prison’s Quadrant 4, ABS-CBN News reports. Two unexploded hand grenades and a blasting cap (used to trigger an explosive device) were also found in the structures, according to CNN Philippines.
Police reported that no one was hurt in the incident.
Outgoing prisons director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazor told CNN that they are investigating the staff who were involved in the demolition of the kubols, which he considers “illegal structures.”
According to GMA News, Quadrant 4 used to house convicted members of Abu Sayyaf and Maute — both rebel groups from Mindanao.
NBP spokesman Maj. Alberto Tapiru told GMA News the blast was possibly the inmates’ way of retaliating against them for conducting the demolitions. “[T]hey probably planted the IED [improvised explosive device] while we were unaware,” he said in Filipino.
Officials have been removing illegal structures inside the prison since Tuesday. Since they started, authorities have confiscated illegal drugs, bladed weapons, sex toys, money, and even ice cream freezers.
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