The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Thursday announced the lifting of the red alert status at the New Bilibid Prison, but said visitation privileges will remain suspended until further notice.
Corrections chief Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the red code status was implemented as a precautionary measure following an “untoward incident” at the facility on July 25.
According to BuCor, a person deprived of liberty (PDL) fired a gun after two members of the Batang City Jail and Bahala Na Gang had a misunderstanding.
“Although the duo was immediately pacified, one of the PDLs who was not a party to the earlier misunderstanding fired a gun prompting other PDLs to panic and scuffled to safety,” it said.
The agency said a PDL named Alvin Barba was found dead due to an ice pick wound after the commotion while nine others sustained minor injuries.
It said they are also investigating how the PDL was able to possess a firearm while inside the NBP.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
