Authorities are looking into a possible conspiracy between officials at the New Bilibid Prison and drug lords who are able to continue their operations even in detention, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Wednesday.

In a phone interview on GMA News TV's News To Go, De Lima said drug lord-inmates will be able to keep these activities going only with assistance from employees and officials there.

"Sa paningin namin, 'di naman mangyayari 'yan, 'di naman makakalusot 'yan kung walang kakuntsaba from within. 'Yun naman ang aming hinahanap ngayon, kung sino ang mga kakuntsaba nila," she said.

De Lima said they have been monitoring this for a while since she has "been receiving reports and information from various sources," adding that they have identified the drug lords who still run drug-related activities in prison.

She added that while there are only a few employees and officials who may be involved, their colleagues may be involved but would rather not report it because of fear.

Earlier, De Lima disclosed that Bureau of Corrections director Franklin Bucayu and prison guards have received death threats from drug lords inside Bilibid.
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Use of cellphones

In the same television interview, De Lima said they're also looking into possibilities that the drug lords' operations continue because they're given access to communication, particularly through cellphones.

"Ang nakikita namin based on our monitoring is that somehow kasi ay nakaka-access pa ang drug inmates na ito ng communication like cellphones. Nagagalit ako diyan. Bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi nasusugpo ang activity, bakit somehow ay nakaka-access pa rin ang mga 'yan ng cellphone when dapat bawal 'yan kahit sino?" she said.

The Justice secretary added that even guards and personnel are not allowed to bring their cellphones inside. There's also a jammer in the area, which is supposed to block telecommunication signals.

"Somehow ang jammer, nagloloko rin paminsan-minsan," she said.

Those involved 'will go through process'

De Lima said they have already planned how to proceed with the investigation, but refused to disclose details.

"Ayaw ko na makatunog sila sa plano namin," she said. "Meron na po kami. We have been coordinating also with some law enforcement agencies – PNP, PDEA."

Once identified, De Lima said officials involved will go through the process with her department "filing the appropriate charges."(from GMA NEWS)