MANILA – There could be more mass graves inside New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday after the discovery of human body parts on Wednesday.
“We believe we will still be able to see two more mass graves inside the Maximum Security Compound through the two septic tanks,” he said in a television interview, adding that another site could also yield human remains.
Only one identified
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Wednesday it discovered human remains inside a septic tank at the Maximum Security Compound while its personnel were searching for Michael Cataroja, a 25-year-old inmate who has been missing since July 15.
Remulla confirmed that the decapitated body of Cataroja was found, but authorities were still searching for his head. He said they were looking into reports that Cataroja may have been killed due to his debts.
“He allegedly had a lot of debts … feeble-minded. He also allegedly had some psychological problems. That’s what I was told,” he added.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. is meeting with Remulla on Friday to submit his report on the recent incidents at NBP.
According to Remulla, the longtime inmates at the national penitentiary have been providing information that could help in the probe.
“But we have to match that kind of information with actual forensic findings. You cannot rely on that alone. We need solid evidence,” he said.
Remulla added that they are tapping forensic anthropologists to examine the remains. (Tina G. Santos © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
