Photo by Valentin Zickner on Unsplash
MANILA — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Thursday drones are “highly unlikely” to facilitate a successful escape from correctional facilities, which have round-the-clock security personnel, watchtowers, and extensive CCTV coverage.
This, following news reports that a South Korean drug boss in the New Bilibid Prison allegedly planned to escape by hanging from a heavy-lift drone and flying over the walls. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported that the plot was foiled before it could be attempted after a passer-by filmed an accomplice rehearsing the stunt and the clip went viral.
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“Medyo malabo yung plano na pag-escape siya kasi drone, and no fly zone kami… Palapit pa lang 'yan [drone] makikita na 'yan ng mga [guards], maririnig 'yan, so bago pa man landing 'yan, baka pinagbabaril na 'yan ng mga guwardiya,” BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.
Catapang added that the noise generated by drones, particularly when flying at low altitudes, could immediately alert prison guards and other personnel.
He said that CCTV cameras installed across correctional facilities would provide another layer of security, allowing authorities to monitor prison grounds, perimeters, buildings and other restricted areas.
Any drone detected within or near a prison could be captured on camera, allowing security personnel to respond, according to the BuCor chief.
The statement comes as drones become increasingly accessible, raising concerns over their potential use to deliver contraband, communications devices and other prohibited items to inmates or to conduct surveillance of prison facilities.
While drones can fly over prison walls and other physical barriers, Catapang said this does not necessarily make them a viable tool for an escape.
“Mukhang imposible 'yun, mahihirapan 'yun kasi sa gabi eh nakabartolina na sila eh. Sa umaga naman kumukuha sila ng sunlight o whatever, meron silang ah livelihood project eh 'di lalo silang makikita kasi raw daylight so malabo, that's very far-fetched,” Catapang said.
“Ito, itong Koreano na 'to na na-deport, most wanted sa Korea 'yan? Maraming pinatay. And then balita-balita, gustong gumawa ata pelikula to immortalize his escapades and illegal activities. So 'yan 'yang mga ginagawa nila. Pero, napakalabo, sobra pa sa-James Bond movie 'yan,” he added.
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ALREADY IN SOUTH KOREA
The Department of Justice (DOJ), meanwhile, noted that the South Korean inmate’s plan was discovered even before an attempt could be made.
“There has never been any attempt, known attempt or any discovered attempt,” DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said.
“The Department of Justice is confident that our Bureau of Corrections is fully equipped and prepared to prevent any such eventuality,” he added.
He said the inmate “has already been turned over and in the custody of the Republic of Korea since March of this year.”
“So, he is in the custody of the Korean government and he is no longer in the Philippines,” he said.