Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Sunday said they will install closed circuit television cameras at the Armed Forces of the Philippines detention facility where some high-profile inmates are temporarily detained.
Aguirre stressed that the measure is necessary following reports that some high-profile inmates are enjoying preferentrial treatment inside the military’s detention facility.
“I think its not hard to do and it is necessary that we put CCTVs,” Aguirre said.
The inmates were detained at the AFP detention center due to the congestion inside the New Bilibid Prison Building 14 in Muntinlupa City as well as to prevent conflicts between some inmates.
“The very reason they high profile inmates were put there because of the riots where, at one instance, one prisoner was killed. For which reason until now they could not be put together in Building 14 where they are supposed to be housed before,” Aguirre said.
Earlier, high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian was transferred from the NBP to the National Bureau of Investigation Detention Center for safety reasons after he was stabbed during a riot at Building 14 last year.
Two other inmates were injured, while another one was killed during the incident.
Aguirre earlier denied allegations made by Senator Leila De Lima that he restored the privileges of inmates of the NBP who testified during the inquiry conducted by the House of Representatives on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary.
“I absolutely and categorically deny the allegations made by Sen. De Lima that I have ordered the restoration of the alleged ‘lavish’ lifestyles of the inmates who testified against her at the House of Representatives probe on the proliferation of the Drug Trade at the New Bilibid Prison. The inmates being referred to are presently detained at the AFP Custodial and Detention Center in Camp Aguinaldo,” Aguirre said.
The reports prompted Aguirre to issue a memorandum to Bureau of Corrections chief Benjamin Delos Santos to investigate the matter.
He also showed to media some photos of the inmates detained in Camp Aguinaldo, which showed their simple lifestyle in contrast to the claims of De Lima.