The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said it welcomes the decision of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra to have the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) look into the riot at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) that led to the deaths of nine inmates.

“BuCor welcomes the order extended by the DOJ to the NBI,” the BuCor said in a statement.

“As before, our strong partnership with NBI in matters of mutual concern and agency cooperation will be the guiding principle we shall sustain,” it added.

On their part, BuCor said BuCor Dor. Gen Gerald Bantag has already given orders to “cooperate with the NBI team, be transparent and open as to fully provide the public a true and accurate account of what has transpired together with the aim of improving the Bureau’s monitoring system and operational procedures in the future.”

Last Friday (Oct. 9) a riot erupted in Quadrant 4 of the Maximum Security Compound of the NBP between members of Sigue Sigue Sputnik (SSS) and Sigue Sigue Commando (SSC) gangs.

The fight resulted in the deaths of nine inmates and the injury of seven others.

Because of this, Guevarra the same day issued an order to the NBI to investigate the incident and and “if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful act in connection therewith.”