A woman visiting the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City was arrested after she allegedly attempted to smuggle illegal drugs concealed in her private parts, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) confirmed.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. identified the suspect as Rhea Mercado, who registered as a visitor of Edgardo Mercado, a person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the NBP’s maximum security compound.
According to a report from NBP Superintendent Roger Boncales, Mercado showed hesitation during mandatory security procedures, particularly the X-ray body scanning.
She later requested to use the restroom, where a guard caught her in a compromising position as she tried to dispose of a suspicious object.
Authorities recovered a condom containing a white crystalline substance believed to be illegal drugs.
The confiscated item has been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Forensic Laboratory for testing, while Mercado was handed over to the police for proper processing.
“As we continue to address these security issues, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug-related activities and the measures necessary to protect correctional facilities from exploitation,” Catapang said in a statement.