Members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) seized a sub-machine gun disguised as a lunch box and other firearms when they conducted a surprise inspection at maximum security compound of the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, Wednesday afternoon.
Retired General Rolando Asuncion, BuCor director, said that the high-powered firearm and a 9mm pistol were found in separate dormitories of the compound.
Asuncion said that two .45-caliber pistols were also found hidden in the ceiling of the NBP Hospital during the surprise raid conducted by PNP-SAF along with BuCor personnel at 5 p.m.
The discovery of the firearms in the hospital alarmed NBP Hospital director Dr. Ernesto Tamayo and his staff.
Tamayo said that lack of manpower made it impossible for them secure the hospital building.
Asuncion said that as a result of the discovery of firearms in the hospital, he ordered Tamayo to immediately isolate Amin Baratong, Andy Lee and Jesus Balais, who are also considered high-profile inmates.
He also ordered the return of Vicente Sy and Peter Co to Building 14 after the two were released from the hospital.
It can be recalled that Sy and Co along with Jaybee Sebastian were wounded when attacked by fellow inmates on September 28. The incident resulted in the death of convicted Chinese drug lord Tony Co.
Asuncion said the confiscated contraband will be brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory and to the firearms and explosives office for checking. (JEAN FERNANDO)