AFP Ready to Secure NBP
The military expressed readiness to deploy Army troops to help secure the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) if ordered by the President, even as it stressed that guarding jail facilities is not part of its core functions.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez said they are ready to provide assistance to other state agencies, but tapping Army soldiers to secure the NBP should only be a “stop-gap” measure given the different nature of their training.
“The armed forces are organized and can respond quickly. Before a lasting solution is arrived at, soldiers may be asked to do that task (guarding NBP). After that, they can go back to their core functions,” the AFP spokesman said.
“As soon as things stabilized we should be able to go back to our core function,” he added.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said the proposal to tap soldiers to help guard the NBP is an indication that they enjoy the trust of the government.
“It speaks of our enhanced credibility as a partner in the dispensation of justice. While the proposal is most welcome, our top priority remains protecting our people and communities against atrocities,” Ortiz said in a text message.
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