Teachers From Philippines are planning to add Facebook as course so Filipino student may learn how to Avoiding cyber bullying and lack of awareness

Pabebe girls, non-sense replies, 1 like=1 pray, cyber bullying and lack of awareness in using the social media correctly, that is one of the most difficult problem that we are facing right now.  A Teacher Esteban said to our source. Teachers From Philippines  are  planning to add Facebook subject in the Philippines and it required to teach this subject in all High School students. Because of the Free FB and easier way to use this social platform, we can now teach every High School students to be a responsible student. He added. They are not considering this plan as a joke, some people were affected by problems that their facing by using the social media giant and it maybe solved by educating them. This is what the student may learn on the Facebook subject
Avoiding Cyber Bullying, Preventing Cyber Bullying and how to report them on the authorities Avoiding sharing bad things on Facebook Avoiding being Pabebe Learning how to reply with sense on different posts on Facebook. Teaching them to post appropriately Learn how to use hashtags correctly Teaching them the rules and guidelines of Facebook
According to some professors, this is a good idea and they are hoping that this subject will be added on High School or Senior High School soon

Reporting for tsismosaonline.com 7-9-2015 Filipino Gr

Closed the Remittance centers in Greece untill Greece seal the third one deal, with the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund

Closed the Remittance centers in Greece untill Greece seal a new bailout deal, the third one, with the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund, that means all the Remittance centers in Greece will remain closed untill August 5. Representative from Remittance centers in Greece  talked with the Greek government yesterday morning (Wednesday 22 of July 2015) to solved the problem  and asked  the Greek Finance Ministry if the Remittance centers in Greece will open again and when . Deputy Finance Minister Dimitiris Mardas said to Representative from Remittance centers in Greece and to tsismosaonline.com reporter that the Greek parliament will reportedly vote on a third set of prior actions on August 5, that means all the Remittance centers in Greece will remain closed untill August 5. The Restrictions on transfers abroad and other capital controls remain in place because the Greek  banks’ financial health remains critical. Transfers of money to other countries are allowed only with permission from the Greek central bank and the Finance Ministry who examine requests on a case-by-case basis  he said. The head of Greece's banking association Louka Katseli said that the foreign people who holds Credit and bank cards issued abroad can be used at the Greek ATMs with no restrictions. This will benefit foreign visitors to Greece and the tourist industry. Web banking transactions will be mostly free, allowing people to pay their bills online. However, they cannot move money to accounts abroad.  stay connected for more news regarding Filipina Ana Maria News reporter for tsismosaonline.com

Want to know how Greeks see the future? Get in the ATM queue and ask them.By Filipino Gr*

By Filipino Gr*, News reporter in Greece fot tsismosaonline.com If one was following Greek and international media, it might have seemed as though the difference between the numbers in the Yes and No camps in the Greek referendum was tiny. However, as most ethnographers of Greece would be able to tell you, especially the ones who have spent two years doing research in Athens during the crisis, the No voters were in the overwhelming majority. And so it ultimately proved in the result. One of the most grotesque moments in the festival of pro-Yes propaganda hosted by Greek TV channels came when a Mega Channel journalist attempted to interview a pensioner in Athens about his views on the debt crisis. The journalist had been expecting the elderly man to complain about the terrible queues at the banks. Instead, the man began to comment on how the crisis has caused thousands of suicides and that he supported the decision to let the people decide. Having failed to get the answer he was looking for, the journalist simply pushed the man out of the frame and quickly began talking over him, while the camera panned away.
For Better watch the video on youtube
Probably one of the best places to understand what is going on in Greece at the moment is in the queues forming at the ATMs of closed banks. People have to wait longer than usual to withdraw cash, and with a daily limit of €60, they are queuing more often, so while there, they just chat with each other spontaneously. Others join in the conversation until you have a small assembly. People address the “audience” loudly, agree and disagree, add comments on top of the main debate and splinter off into their own, smaller groups in the queue. Sometimes people stick around to talk even after they have withdrawn their 60 euros from the ATM. They talk about their fear but also about their anger. They are angry at the private TV channels and newspapers that spread fear ahead of the vote. They are angry at Greece’s creditors and resent the euro as a currency. In the queue, the conversations are often about the real value of the euro. People still loudly translate their 60-euro allowance into the old Greek currency. They talk about how much they could buy with 20,000 drachma and how little they can get with 60 euros. They also remember the last time a significant percentage of people in Greece lost substantial amounts of their savings. That was in 1999 when the Athens Stock Market collapsed, just before Greece joined the euro. The government, led by technocrat Costas Simitis had liberated the financial markets as part of the eurozone integration process. People were encouraged to invest their savings in the financial market via governmental (and TV) propaganda. Small stock market agencies sprung up in towns and villages to help them on their way. The TV sets in the traditional Greek coffee shops broadcast stock market sessions and pink newspapers appeared on the tables. A country with 10 million people was suddenly home to more than 1 million stock-market investors. Then came the crash. The market collapsed under the weight of several corporate manipulations and investors saw their savings vanish. At the time, there was enough going on to distract people from the blow. The change of currency to the euro and the devaluation effect made the loss of trillions of drachmas look relatively less significant. People still recall how things that cost 100 Drachma or less quadrupled in value overnight and suddenly cost a euro. This time around, there are no distractions. But although people fear losing their deposits while the banks remain closed – as happened in Cyprus – the fact is, very few people have much of a deposit to lose. Beyond what people are talking about as they queue for the ATM, social theory teaches us that large groups with little to lose are a traditional danger for capitalist projects. The threat they pose was temporarily diffused by the referendum, as they had the chance to express their discontent, but the result makes it clear that they will not be placated for long. The resounding No vote has emerged from a population with no faith in the neoliberal economic system or the mainstream media that presents it to them. They voted no because people are ready to risk losing things in order to win a new political and social deal– especially when what they have to lose doesn’t amount to much.

In desperation those without cash withdrawal card in Greece

Not all people in Greece have cash withdrawal card from the ATMs of banks. There are our elderly citizens who do not have card option because they fear to lose, that will forget the PIN or find the whole process very complex. There are older pensioners over 74 years, where banks do not issue cash cards. And there are pensioners who have joined the Katseli Law and from which is removed the right to have a cash withdrawal card. All these our fellow citizens, the vast majority of elderly pensioners, they can not even bear 60 per day, because nobody has thought of a way to serve in some branches of banks to enable them to enjoy their retirement. Some waiting outside the closed bank branches in the hope that at some point in the day, and can be opened. And they ask anxiously what will happen as long as banks have padlock they themselves did not have the ability to access -opoia- money have in their account.

Pope Demands Philippine Leaders End Scandalous Inequalities

Pope Francis on Friday (January 16, 2015) demanded leaders in the graft-plagued Philippines end “scandalous social inequalities,” as he called on them to show integrity and reject corruption.

He made the comments in his first major speech of a five-day visit to the Catholic Church’s Asian stronghold, where tens of millions live in deep poverty, after arriving to a rapturous reception on Thursday.

“The great biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor. It bids us break the bonds of injustice and oppression which give rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social inequalities,” the pope said in the speech at the presidential palace.

Francis said that the Philippines, “together with many other countries in Asia”, faces the challenge of building a modern society that respects “our God-given human dignity and rights.”

To help the poor in the Philippines, Francis demanded that leaders and all other members of society fight corruption.

“It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good,” he said.

He challenged “everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption, which diverts resources from the poor”.

He said reforming social structures to end poverty required a “conversion of mind and heart”.

Francis had moments earlier met President Benigno Aquino, who has waged a high-profile campaign against corruption that has seen his predecessor and three senators detained.

Aquino also orchestrated the impeachment of the Supreme Court’s chief justice on corruption charges, and he has won international plaudits for his efforts.

But critics of Aquino, the son of democracy heroine Corazon Aquino, have accused him of focusing his anti-graft campaign only on opponents and not allies.

And, despite some of Asia’s strongest economic growth, Aquino’s more than four years in office have failed to make a major dent on poverty.

About 25 million Filipinos, or one-quarter of the population, live on the equivalent of 60 cents a day or less, according to the latest official poverty surveys.

The poverty has forced about 10 million Filipinos to head overseas in search of a better life.

Francis said one of the main purposes of his trip was to visit survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda, which left 7,350 people dead or missing in 2013.

Francis will spend Saturday in areas of the central Philippines that were devastated by the typhoon, which smashed into coastal communities with the strongest winds ever recorded on land.

“In a particular way, this visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda,” he said.

Francis enjoyed a hero’s welcome when he arrived in the Philippines on Thursday night, with hundreds of thousands of people crowding the streets of Manila to get a first glimpse of him as he travelled in a motorcade.

The Philippines has long been the Church’s stronghold in the region, with 80 percent of the former Spanish colony’s 100 million people members of the faith.

high point of the pope’s trip is expected to be an open-air mass on Sunday at a park in Manila, with organizers preparing for up to six million people.

If as big as expected, the crowd would surpass the previous record for a papal gathering of five million during a mass by John Paul II at the same venue in 1995.

After meeting Aquino at the presidential palace and delivering his speech, the pope travelled to the nearby Manila Cathedral, a centuries-old church from the Spanish era, to celebrate mass.

Later in the day the 78-year-old pontiff will meet thousands of devotees for a more relaxed prayer service at Manila’s top concert arena, where music fans have flocked in recent years to see the likes of Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.

Francis is on a week-long tour of Asia that began in Sri Lanka.

It is his second trip to the region in five months, signaling the importance the Vatican places on Asia’s growth potential for the Church.

                

Third Greek Victim Identified in ‘Norman Atlantic’ Ferry Disaster

The Greek embassy in Rome on Saturday confirmed that a third Greek was among those confirmed dead in the “Norman Atlantic” ferry disaster in the Adriatic.
According to the embassy, the dead body was identified as that of Greek national Gerasimos Kazantzidis, whose name had been listed among those missing on the website of the Greek Coast Guard.
Another body which was initially believed to have belonged to that of Greek passenger Giorgios Doulis, has not been identified by relatives and the man is now considered missing. According to Italian authorities, nine Greek nationals are still missing and their relatives arrived in Italy on Saturday.
Assisted by a representative of the Greek embassy in Rome, they contacted the municipalities of Bari, Brindisi and Lecce which claimed that no Greek nationals are being treated in hospitals of Apulia, the wider region.
Later, it is possible that relatives will be allowed to approach the wreck of “Norman Atlantic,” which has been towed to the port of Brindisi, but they will not be allowed on board.
Meanwhile, Italian prosecutors entered the ship once again as they’re trying to determine if it’s safe to open the garage and look for dead immigrants or truck drivers. However, authorities say there are still some fires burning in parts of the vessel and prosecutor Ettore Cardinali said that “it might take several days to open ‘Norman’s’ garage.”
According to the Italian press, Italy’s transport ministry launched an investigation into the exact causes of the fire, while a team of Greek experts will be arriving at Brindisi in the afternoon.

Pomegranates, Onions and Other Greek New Year’s Eve Customs

New Year’s celebrations in Greece include some customs and superstitions that may seem strange, but they go back ages. The big difference in celebrations between Greece and other countries is that New Year’s Day is also a Christian holiday, and specifically Saint Vasilios day.
Saint Vasilios is the Greek version of Santa Claus. And while the internationally known Santa delivers his presents on Christmas Eve, Saint Vasilios waits a few days and puts the presents under the Christmas tree on New Year’s Day.
Hence the Vasilios cake, or vasilopita in Greek: a sweet, round cake in which the head of the family ceremoniously cuts at the turn of the year. Each piece is designated to members of the family and the first three pieces are offered in order to Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Saint Vasilios, while the fourth piece goes to the family home. The rest goes to family members in order of age. Inside the cake there is a hidden coin, which is often a token of value, that will go to the lucky person who gets that piece. In some parts of Greece, the vasilopita is cut at the family table in the afternoon of January 1st.
New Year’s Eve is also a day when Greeks try their luck. They believe that if they win playing cards or the lottery, they will have good luck all year long. Lotteries and card games at home or in clubs and coffee shops are ongoing when the year turns.
On New Year’s Day, who is going to enter your home first is often considered a sign of luck. It is called podariko. You usually choose who to invite first, depending if you consider him or her a lucky person And if you are invited, you have to enter the house with the right foot first. Usually, Greeks want children to enter their home first, since children are pure of heart and innocent. Many Greeks invite nephews, nieces and grandchildren and they give them the “good hand,” which can be money, toys or sweets.
In the Cyclades islands, it is considered a good omen to have north winds on New Year’s Day. If a dove lands in the yard that day, it brings good luck. But if a crow flies over a house, then it is a bad omen for the new year.
The wild onion that grows on the island of Crete looks like a big onion. It is poisonous and causes skin rash. If you uproot it, it will still grow new leaves and flowers. For the people of Crete, this rare quality signifies great natural power and they hang wild onions in their homes on New Year’s Day.
The pomegranate is a symbol of abundance, fertility and good luck. In many areas of Greece they hang a pomegranate in their home in autumn. After the New Year’s Eve church service, they smash the pomegranate at the door while wishing “Happy New Year!”

De Lima Sacks 4 More New Bilibid Prison Officials Over Measly Haul

Justice secretary Leila de Lima conducted another inspection yesterday – her third –  at the maximum security compound of the state penitentiary and  relieved four more New Bilibid Prison (NBP) officials from their posts after she was disappointed over the measly haul of contraband.

Their relief came nine days after De Lima relieved three ranking officials of the NBP for granting privileges to high-profile inmates.

Relieved were NBP Maximum Security Compound Guards Commander Lucio Guevarra, NBP Special Patrol Unit chief Ricardo Sespene, NBP Inmates Visitation Services Unit Head Roberto Mandap, and Maximum Security Compound officer-in-charge Danilo Dador.

“I’m very disappointed because I have a gut feel that the gangs still have in their possession several weapons and illegal drugs and that what they surrendered are the weapons that they can no longer use,” Sec. De Lima said after eight boxes containing contrabands were turned over to her.

De Lima gave gang leaders until Dec. 24 to surrender all illegal drugs, weapons and appliances otherwise their jail cells would be raided.

The NBP provided eight empty boxes placed in four areas inside the maximum security compound where the contrabands would be dropped.

When the boxes were opened, they contained  242 fan knives, 341 cellular phones, 23 improvised water pipes, 28 improvised tooters, eight aluminum foils, nine lighter, four bottles, 21 long bladed weapons, 29 assorted bladed weapons, gadgets, 16 cellular phone chargers, seven earphones, one pocket wifi, a booster antenna

firearms, one piece Shotgun – Buddy Guard Model 30 Guage 3 chamber (Armscor), caliber 22- ERMA Serial Number 305986 with one piece magazine,  two pieces caliber 22-Black Widow,  one Armscor 9mm with one magazine, one caliber .45 colt with one magazine; one caliber .38 revolver, an UZI automatic pistol 9mm with one magazine caliber 380, 14 sets of improvised shotgun; assorted ammunitions for .22 (59 pieces),  9mm (22 pieces), .45 (11 pieces), 380 (7 pieces) and,  shotgun (50 rounds).

Executive clemency

Meanwhile, Sec. De Lima revealed that President Aquino will be granting executive clemency to inmates in time for the visit of Pope Francis next month.

She said the executive clemency “was intended to be Pres. Aquino’s gift for Pope Francis. We’re looking at old aged and sick, terminally ill inmates.”

De Lima, together with joint law enforcement agencies have already conducted two surprise raids inside the maximum security compound confirming reports that drug convicts have been operating their drug trade while inside prison, living like “kings” in wanton violation of prison rules with the help of prison officials.

De Lima discovered that the privileged inmates turned their ‘kubols’ into luxurious villas, equipped with appliances, sauna, jacuzzi bath, music equipment, and even keeping a vault where wads of cash and expensive pieces of jewelry were kept.

Stolen gun? 

Meanwhile, a barangay councilor in Caloocan City yesterday admitted owning the gun recovered by authorities inside the room of convicted drug lord Peter Co during the first surprise raid inside the New Bilibid Prison.

(NBP), but denied supplying the gun to the high profile inmate.

Barangay councilor Vicente Tan Alidada, however denied supplying the gun to Co.  Alidada went to the NBI headquarters in Manila on Monday to answer questions on how his 9mm Taurus pistol got inside the state penitentiary.

During an interrogation, Alidada claimed that he lost his gun last October 12, 2014 when they moved from their former residence at No. 195 Lakas ng Mahirap, Caloocan City to No. 121 Gen. San Miguel St., Caloocan City.

He submitted to the NBI a copy of an affidavit of loss as proof that he lost his gun.

Alidada further told the NBI investigators that he wasn’t able to report his missing firearm because he was to fly to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to look for a job there. He, however, returned to the country early this month after failing to land a job in UAE.

A certification from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Division showed that four of the six guns confiscated from Co belonged to different persons.

                

Chinese Zodiac signs-What’s in store for you in 2015, Year of the Sheep

Filipinos are now looking forward to what’s in store for 2015, also known as the Year of the Wooden Sheep.
This will officially begin on Chinese New Year in February 2015.
In a video posted this past December, Feng Shui master Hanz Cua shared his 2015 forecast for the various Chinese Zodiac signs, as well as tips for the coming year.
To find out your animal sign, enter your birth date here.

Select a Date: Click the calendar icon, select the month and year, then click on the desired day.
Note: if the calendar dont work click here to visit the website 

Feng Shui master Hanz Cua shares his forecast for 2015 Green, he says, will be a lucky color. “Wearing green, painting the office color green, using green bags or using green color elements would enhance money and wealth luck to you,” Hanz said in the video above.
He also added that the year 2015 will be a year of prosperity, luck and opportunity for many.
Here's what's in store for each Chinese zodiac sign, according to Master Hanz. For more, including specific forecasts for work and love, for example, watch the video above.
Year of the Rat
"This year for the year of the Rat, brings in prosperity, money wealth gain, opportunity in career and in money. Wealth star for the year of the rat is good," says Master Hanz. But Rats should also look out for bumps in the realm of relationships, and he also advised to keep a "low profile at work."
Year of the Ox
It may be a bumpy year for Oxen. "The year of the Ox is in direct conflict with the Year of the Sheep. A challenging and most obstacle year, this year also brings the heaven money wealth star, which brings in money, [and will] gain luck for you."
"Avoid overspending," he cautioned, warning that patience is a virtue.
Year of the Tiger
Good news for Tigers: "The year of the Tiger is a very good year. Career success, personal happiness with heaven wealth and heaven seal, brings in success in everything you do."
Things are looking good in terms of wealth, and also in terms of career and relationships. Tigers, he said, should also watch out for their health.
Year of the Rabbit
"For the year of the Rabbit, the noble man and the supportive star is in your chart. This helps you towards success. As the year of the Sheep is one of your allies, tis brings in indirect spirit, shielding and helping you overcome challenges."
"Socialize more," he said, warning Rabbits to be careful about what they say.
Year of the Dragon
"This year will be [bring] powerful luck as the favorable star lies in your chart. Continuous growth in career, fame and recognition, prosperous year, you need to do more good deeds – going to church, prayers to enhance luck," said Master Hanz.
Year of the Snake
"Ready for action. Rich with opportunity and career prospects. Focus on one thing at a time. Wisdom and career luck star, this year is a good year for taking an exam, this year is good in getting insurance and property investment," he said.
He also said that Snakes should watch out in terms of relationships and health.
Year of the Horse
Horses should be careful. In the wealth area, Master Hanz said, particularly in the last part of the year, things aren't looking up, but Horses can also look forward to a good year for love.
"As the best friend of the Sheep, this brings in partnership, collaboration in business and career. Learn to work as a team."
Year of the Sheep
Sheep should watch out this year, paying attention to their health and relationships. "Last year 2014 is much better year compared with this year because lucky star is not in your chart. Avoid arguments, keep low and humble, careful whom you trust."
Year of the Monkey
Things are looking good for Monkeys, though they should take care to manage their wealth well. "Smooth-sailing year with support from helpful friends.This year, give big leap and success in business. Importation of products abroad is lucky."
Year of the Rooster
Roosters should be cautious this year, and Master Hanz said that planning and keeping a low profile will be important.
"Luck is gloomy. Not a good year. You have numerous misfortune star combined with the 5 yellow misfortune star seated on your house. Lawsuits, unexpected problems is there, you need to enhances prayers to enhance luck."
Year of the Dog
"Use public relation skills to attract helpful friends. Helping hand star will lend support towards success . You have a strong fame and recognition luck."
He also said to watch out for some potential conflict when it comes to health, relationships, and career.
Year of the Boar
Things are looking good for Boars, but they should also look out for potential conflict with others.
"You have a strong business partnership luck. You need to socialize more. Prayers and going to Church activates your indirect spirit. This will enhance your wealth luck."
With 2015 about to begin, start it with a bang and with a positive state of mind. Happy New Year! – tsismosaonline.com and pinoynewsgreece.com
For more information on astrology and feng shui, visit Hanz Cua's website masterhanzcua.com

AirAsia Flight which plunged into the sea, carried the wife and child of a Filipino

Alejandro Santiago, a Filipino, says his wife and child wanted to fly to Singapore for a vacation with him AirAsia Flight QZ8501, which plunged into the sea over the weekend, carried the wife and child of a Filipino, a television report said Wednesday, December 31.
Alejandro Santiago, a Filipino, told GMA News that his wife and child were among the 162 passengers of the crashed AirAsia flight.
“Napakahirap pong paniwalaan ang nangyari para sa akin (It's hard to believe what happened to me),” GMA News, in a tweet, quoted Santiago as saying.
Santiago added that a DNA test will help identify the victims' remains.
In a separate radio interview with dzBB, Santiago said his wife and child were on their way to Singapore for a vacation. Santiago was reportedly in Singapore.
GMA News identified Santiago's relatives on the flight as Romlah Siti, an Indonesian, and Jasmine Rose Ann Santiago.
The AirAsia plane crashed into the Java Sea southwest of the island of Borneo, with debris including an exit door and a blue suitcase so far retrieved from the area.
The search for the bodies was suspended on Wednesday, however, because of storm weather.
The crash came at the end of an awful year for Malaysian air travel.
After the disappearance of Flight MH370, en route from from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew, another Malaysia Airlines flight – MH17 – was shot down over Ukraine in July, killing all 298 on board

Greece Norman Atlantic ferry-the names of the passengers and crew of the ship, (video and photos)

According to the Headquarters of the Coast Guard - Greek Coast Guard has begun the transit of occupants of burning passenger / ferry «Norman Atlantic», a ship of the Italian Navy. Recall that for several hours there were heated discussion about whether to tow the burning ship and who will be the final destination. The Italians insisted transfer to Brindisi. On the table was dropped and the sentence «Norman Atlantic» to drive to the port of Albania, as this country was the closest. With the aid of tugs tied at port of Bari commercial ship with the 49 passengers of Norman Atlantic. After 28 hours of suffering at sea, 49 of the 478 passengers of Norman Atlantic managed to step on shore shortly after 08:30 in the morning. The Italian authorities are ready to receive them while their ambulances waiting at the port of Bari. In the publicity given by the port authorities the names of the passengers and crew of the ship Norman Atlantic, as forwarded by the managing company.

25,000 Police to Secure Pope Francis

The Philippine National Police (PNP) assign 25,000 men to secure Pope Francis when he visits the country next month, a top police official said.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said most of the personnel will be involved in securing the vicinity where the Pontiff is scheduled to go.
Aside from the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the Pope is also set to go to the University of Santo Tomas and is also set to go to Palo, Leyte.
“The other personnel will be assigned of other duties,” said Mayor.
The Pope will be in the country on January 15 to 19, 2015, largely to visit victims of  Super Typhoon Yolanda (international code name: Haiyan) last month. The weather disturbance killed at least 8,000 people.
Top police officials have been preparing coordinating with the security unit of Vatican City to ensure the safety of the Pope.
Several groups have been tagged as potential threats to the Pope, including the New People’s Army. But the communist rebels denied the allegation and even assured that they will not be a problem.
Mayor said part of the security preparations is the possible breach in security protocol, which the Pope is known for.
He said the PNP has been coordinating with the Presidential Security Group and close-in security of the Pope to secure the Roman Pontiff.

            

Heads Will Roll in Munti

Malacañang yesterday said that heads will roll in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) after a surprise raid at the national penitentiary uncovered the luxurious lifestyle of some inmates who are allegedly operating inside the NBP as drug lords.
“The investigation is ongoing and those who will be found responsible for these illegal activities will be made accountable,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma said the investigation on the NBP is part of the reforms being implemented by the Aquino administration at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
He said President Aquino gave specific instructions to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, adding that the President was alarmed by the discoveries inside the NBP.
“We are focusing on how we can fully get rid of illegal activities inside the National Penitentiary and how we can make it drug-free,” he said.
Yesterday, De Lima ordered NBP officials and personnel to explain why they should not be administratively charged for their failure to stop illegal drug trade and other prohibited activities inside the country’s penitentiary.
But De Lima spared BuCor Director Franklin Bucayu from the investigation despite the command responsibility, saying that the state prison official was involved in the planning and the raid inside the NBP.
De Lima said she has already issued a show-cause order against NBP officers and personnel assigned at the maximum security compound, including its superintendent Roberto Rabo.
Coloma said the problems inside the NBP cannot be solved overnight.
“We are now investigating its extent and depth,” Coloma said.
The BuCor yesterday started dismantling and removing luxury items, including a hot tub, in various “kubol” (cubicles) of the so-called drug lords at the maximum security compound of the NBP.
Supt. Celso Bravo, officer-in-charge of the BuCor Office of the Assistant Director for Prison and Security, told Manila Bulletin that they started dismantling the cubicles Monday immediately following the order of De Lima, who made a surprise inspection of the maximum prison facility.
The inspection team discovered suspected shabu, more than a million in cash, hot tub, airconditioning units, TVs, PlayStation gadget, refrigerator, expensive liquor, musical instruments, expensive watches and even a sex doll.
Coloma said a modern prison facility is being put up in Nueva Ecija for a more effective system of imprisonment.
Bravo said the luxury items are being inventoried to ensure that all things are accounted for, adding that they have contacted the relatives of the so-called high-profile inmates for the items.
He said these items will be under the safekeeping of the BuCor until a decision is made on what to do with them.
Bravo said the “kubol” will be used as dormitories for other inmates. He said that if one cubicle was used by only one inmate before, it will now be used by several inmates.
The BuCor will also conduct its own investigation on how the luxury items were smuggled into the maximum security facility, Bravo said.
He suspects that these items entered the facility either because someone approved it or through connivance.
Before the inspection by De Lima, Bravo said the BuCor had already reshuffled 41 prison guards at the maximum security compound and ordered the voluntary drug testing of 208 prison guards.