The Department of Justice panel that looked into convicted killer Antonio Leviste's unauthorized trip last month has also recommended the reforms that may be instituted at the New Bilibid Prison. In its 36-report released to the media on Wednesday, the panel led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Dacanay noted that Bilibid may be the only national penitentiary where anyone can freely walk in and out of the prison compound without being noticed. The Bilibid houses about 23,000 convicted inmates who are serving their sentences. The panel added that the minimum security compound is like an open community where inmates mix in with non-inmates, visitors and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) employees, and even residents of housing projects within the sprawling NBP reservation. It also noted the lack of security measures at Leviste's private nipa hut, which is located at the Agricultural Production (Agro) compound outside the minimum security compound. In light of such observations, the panel outlined the recommended reforms as follows:
The installment of 1:8 ratio of prison guards to inmates, to address the current ratio of 1:81. But because of the limited budget of the he Bureau of Corrections, the panel recommended that members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines augment the number of BuCor’s security personnel; The installment of close circuit television (CCTV) cameras at all gates of the NBP reservation in Muntinlupa to ensure that entry and exit of vehicles are monitored and recorded; The conduct of regular orientation, trainings, and seminars to enhance BuCor personnel's capabilities and professionalize the prison guards; The strict enforcement of prison rules and regulations governing the control of vehicles and visitors; The construction of perimeter fences to separate the NBP compound from housing projects of the National Housing Authority; The transfer of prison facilities to a more secure site so that inmates cannot "easily mingle with civilians"; The return of the exclusive control of the NBP compound from the NHA to the BuCor; The improvement of the system of identifying inmates on "living out" status; The amendment of the BuCor operating manual; and The regular reshuffling of prison guards to prevent them from being familiar and close with the inmates under their custody. De Lima's recommendations: NBP overhaul Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had already sent to President Benigno Aquino III her memorandum that added more recommendations, including a “top to bottom reshuffle of officials." De Lima also said there should be a technical working group that will conduct a thorough review of the Philippine prison system and present a comprehensive action plan to address the congested detention facilities in the country. “There should be a top to bottom reshuffle of BuCor and NBP officials but based on practical considerations of manpower, training, and experience," she said. She also said there should be a reasonable timeline for the reshuffle because the removal of non-performing and corrupt prison officials overnight would leave the agencies without any management. De Lima also said there should be a separate inquiry that will solely focus on the rampant drug problem involving Bilibid inmates and their cohorts inside and outside the national penitentiary. — KBK, GMA News 
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