MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) admitted that high-profile inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NPB) left detention to seek treatment at a private hospital last month.
"Tama po 'yun. Lumabas po 'yun, ni-report po sa akin ng NPB superintendent na lumabas 'yan, at actually, ininspeksyon ko 'yan at nandoon talaga sila [sa ospital]," BuCor Director Franklin Bucayo said in an interview with dzMM on Tuesday.
The confirmation came after robbery gang leader Herbert "Ampang" Colangco, drug lords Amin Buratong and Ricardo Camata were reported to have left the penitentiary for medical care in pricey hospitals.
Camata, leader of a notorious prison gang, was reportedly rushed to the Metropolitan Hospital where a young star and dancers were brought to his room.
Colangco, meanwhile, was brought to the Asian Hospital in Alabang, and Buratong sought medical attention in Medical City.
Bucayo said that the ailing convicts needed specialist care and are allowed under Bilibid rules to be cared for in private facilities if they can personally afford to do so.
He also said that guards are assigned to inmates recuperating in hospitals.
"Kailangan po kasi ng espesyalista sa kanilang mga sakit and incidentally ang doktor na espesyalista nila ay connected po sa ospital na 'yun kaya doon po sila nai-refer," Bucayo said.
He explained that Colangco and Buratong had "life threatening" medical cases and had to undergo immediate surgery.
"Maraming sakit na kailangang espesyalista at saka marami po d'yan na hindi kaya ng NBP Hospital dahil class C 'yung ating hospital doon," Bucayo said.
Bucayo said that the agency will investigate about the incident allegedly involving Camata and vowed not to tolerate "VIP treatment" of inmates.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had ordered an investigation on the alleged special treatment of high-profile convicts in the prison. - Camille Diola