Bilibid's septic tank contains human remains.

The New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City's highest security compound discovered human remains inside a septic tank on Wednesday, sparking rumors that the location may be a mass grave for missing convicts.

According to early accounts, officials from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) found dismembered body parts within the sewer box next to a chapel in Dormitory 8. In order for the National Bureau of Investigation's Forensic and Scientific Research Service to begin the retrieval and identification process, the septic tank must first be emptied, according to Angelina Bautista, officer in charge of BuCor and deputy director general for operations.

However, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, a 25-year-old prisoner named Michael Cataroja, whose body had been missing since July 15, was among those found. He said that the discovery was connected to the alleged murders that took place at the national penitentiary prior to the appointment of current BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr.

“Everything is sketchy and still in the exploratory stage. We’re still trying to find things out, trying to get to the bottom of everything,” Remulla stated, adding that they were considering tapping forensic anthropologists to examine the remains.
While looking for prisoner Cataroja inside the NBP complex, searchers unintentionally discovered what may have been a mass burial.

The PCG's K-9 canines were employed to find bodies and point to the septic tank, which had served as a mass burial for deceased inmates. The first person missing after Catapang took control in October was Cataroja. He was located in other dorm rooms and a sack that was concealed in the ceiling. He was given a sentence of 12 to 20 years for breaking the anti-fencing rule.

Via Inquirer.net