2 NBP doctors, security head axed

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has relieved two doctors and the security head of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City from their posts over the recent confinement of a high-profile inmate in a private hospital without the necessary clearance.

In Department Order 405 released yesterday, DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima ordered Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Franklin Jesus Bucayu to effect the order to remove NBP hospital head Dr. Gloria Achazo-Garcia, medical specialist Dr. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva and escort unit head Supt. Gabriel Magan and designate their temporary replacement.

The NBP is under BuCor, which is an attached agency of the DOJ.

The relief of the officials was immediately effective and shall remain in force until further orders from the DOJ, according to the order.

Earlier, NBP superintendent Fajardo Lansangan and a dozen jail guards were also ordered relieved from their posts after convicted drug lord and Sigue Sigue Sputnik gang leader Ricardo Camata was taken to the Metropolitan Hospital in Manila last month for treatment of a lung ailment.

An initial probe conducted by Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, the DOJ official supervising the BuCor and NBP, showed that Camata was brought to the private hospital even when he did not need emergency care.

Baraan explained that only an emergency situation would justify the confinement of inmates in hospitals outside the national penitentiary. A closed-circuit television footage from the hospital showed that Camata was able to go in and out of his hospital room, use a mobile phone and accept visitors – including starlet Krista Miller.

Explanations in order

Apart from being relieved from their posts, the NBP officials were also ordered by De Lima to explain the incident.

In a two-page show cause order released also yesterday, the DOJ chief directed Lansangan, Garcia, Villanueva, Magan and the 12 guards to submit a written explanation within three days from receiving the notice.

De Lima said they are facing investigation for possible administrative charges, including neglect of duty, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

“Failure to submit your explanation shall be deemed as a waiver of your right to submit a written explanation, and that the complaint shall be resolved/evaluated on the basis of the evidence at hand,” read the order.

The DOJ is investigating two other incidents similar to that involving Camata.

Herbert Colangco, leader of the bank robbery gang responsible for the heists in Pampanga and Quezon City in 2003 and Parañaque in 2005, was also brought to Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang.

Earlier, Amin Buratong, the operator of the shabu tiangge (flea market), was taken to Medical City due to recurring coronary artery disease and a liver ailment.