Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said yesterday that his security has been heightened after learning that drug lords also want him dead.
“Security has been increased,” Aguirre said. Aguirre did not elaborate on what the security measures are and who are protecting him.
“Two have pulled together funds to get me,” he disclosed, referring to two inmates at Building 14 of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City who, according to intelligence reports he received, raised P50 million together to have him assassinated. Building 14 holds high-profile inmates, including drug lords.
Aguirre said that another inmate at the maximum security section of the NBP accepted the job to assassinate him.
Despite this, there was no tone of concern with the official who was jovial while spending yesterday at home.
Also targets of drug lords were Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa and President Duterte. Drug lords want them killed because of the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign.
Meanwhile, convicted drug lords continue to conduct transactions behind bars at the NBP, Aguirre said, based on messages contained in mobile phones that were seized from inmates during the first day of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force conducting “Oplan: Galugad” at the NBP.
Aguirre noted that inmates are good at hiding contrabands. “Magagaling silang magtago,” said Aguirre.
On the first day, he said that signal boosters and around P400,000 in cash were seized from inmates, including convicted drug lord Peter Co. On the second day, Aguirre said illegal drugs, more signal boosters, and 30 mobile phones were seized, including one found hidden in Co’s slippers. He added that P150,000 in cash was also found in the possession of Co.
Despite inmates being good at hiding banned items, the Justice Secretary assured that everyday raids will be conducted under “Oplan: Galugad” against NBP inmates.
Aguirre said that he receives daily updates on what is happening inside the prison facility. (Jeffrey G. Damicog)
