MUNTINLUPA Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon yesterday slammed the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) anew for blocking another access road inside the New Bilibid Prison (NPB) Reservation.
Biazon said BuCor Dir. Gen. Geraldo Bantag had ordered the construction of a concrete wall blocking the access of residents to and from Type B “again without proper notice to or coordination with local officials.”
“We are strongly protesting the haphazard policy decisions of BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag. Not only are his actions irrational and unlawful, they are also eroding the relationship between BuCor and the people and local government of Muntinlupa,” Biazon said.
Biazon said the wall was constructed while the two parties were still in the middle of talks regarding the first wall that the BuCor built on Insular Prison Road in March.
“This is the Insular Road incident all over again where no proper coordination whatsoever was made with the City Government of Muntinlupa and the barangay prior to the implementation of the order from BuCor. And just like the first wall they built, this wall is also illegal and is a nuisance as defined by Article 694 of the Civil Code for obstructing and interfering with the free passage of a public street,” he said.
Biazon stressed anew that the walls compromised the safety, security, and health of the affected residents because they are blocking the most accessible entryways into Southville 3 and Type B, which enable police, fire, and emergency services to quickly respond should the need arise.
The lawmaker said he has already informed Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra of Bantag’s latest order and Gueverra had apologized for the BuCor’s lack of notice to and prior coordination with the City Government of Muntinlupa.
Biazon has also asked House committee on justice chair Vicente Veloso to begin hearings on House Resolution No. 1666 on the closure of Insular Prison Road in the NBP Reservation by the BuCor.
“In the interest of justice in this time of the pandemic, it is my fervent hope that this request by this humble representation may be given immediate and due consideration by your honorable Committee,” Biazon said in his letter to Veloso.
The Insular Prison Road incident earlier caused tensions to flare between BuCor personnel and residents of Southville 3 in Barangay Poblacion in March after residents woke up to find several portions of the access road blocked by concrete walls.
Biazon said the BuCor did not make any attempt to consult those who would be directly affected, including Southville 3 residents and the usual users of the Insular Prison Road.
The Insular Prison Road in the New Bilibid Prison Reservation gives residents of Southville 3, a socialized housing project of the National Housing Authority (NHA), access to and from the Poblacion proper and city proper of Muntinlupa.