The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will investigate the tunnel discovered inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa, its officer-in-charge Gregorio Catapang said Friday.
In an interview during DZRH’s Balansyado, Catapang said they learned that the digging of the tunnel started about one year and two months ago.
“Iyon ang aalamin natin [kung sino ang naghuhukay]. Nandito lang [ang hukay] sa tabi ng quarters… sa ilalim ng swimming pool ng [NBP] Director’s quarter,“ he said.
When asked if the hole was used as an “escape route“ for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), Catapang said it is impossible.
“Napakahirap po ‘yon maging escape route. Ang tantya ko… bakit dadaan sa Director’s quarter,“ he added.
According to Catapang, an NBP guard told him that the perpetrators behind the digging might be looking for gold.
“May naghuhukay daw tapos nakita nilang may dalang metal detector. Baka naisip nila na baka nandito ang Yamashita treasure kasi maraming kwento ‘yan eh, inilibing daw [ang mga ginto] sa ilalim ng quarters ng dating kampo,“ he added.
The BuCor OIC said the tunnel is estimated to be 200 meters wide and 30 meters deep.
“Pero pinapa-request namin sa DENR kasi hindi naman kami expert dito eh. Sabi ng DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources], illegal quarrying yung nangyari dito,“ he added.
Catapang said they would also investigate if it was suspended BuCor Chief Gerald Bantag who allowed the said digging of the tunnel.
The tunnel was discovered days after BuCor seized more than 7,000 beer, illegal drugs, and other contraband during its “Oplan Galugad” inside the NBP.
