2 more isolated inmates seek CA relief

MANILA, Philippines - Two more New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates currently isolated at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have sought relief from the Court of Appeals (CA) yesterday.

The families of convicted drug lords Michael Ong and Willy Sy filed before the appellate court separate writ of amparo petitions seeking their immediate return to the national penitentiary.

Through lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, they also sought a temporary protection order enjoining the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the NBI to allow petitioners to visit their relatives.

A similar petition was filed last Monday by Noel Martinez, another inmate transferred to the NBI following the raid at the NBP last week where various contrabands – including illegal drugs and cash – were seized.

Just like Martinez, Ong and Sy alleged that their transfer was unlawful since the DOJ has no authority to order the transfer of inmates from the NBP to the NBI.

The petitioners also argued that the visitorial rights of Ong and Sy, which were afforded by the BuCor for all its inmates, have been eliminated.

They further claimed that the inmates’ rights not to be held incommunicado and to counsel under Article III (Bill of Rights), Sections 12 and 14 of the Constitution have also been violated.

When sought for a reaction, DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima explained there is nothing wrong with the transfer to the NBI of the inmates.

“Their temporary transfer to the NBI for safekeeping is in line with plenary safekeeping mandate of BuCor, subject only to their right to humane treatment or constitutional right of prisoners against cruel and degrading punishment,” she explained. 

She said Building 14 at the NBP’s maximum security compound is set to be renovated to serve as a segregation facility for drug convicts and the isolated inmates will be transferred there once the renovation is complete.

Aside from Martinez, Ong and Sy, the other inmates isolated at the NBI are Peter Co, Eugene Chua, Chua Sam Li, Vincent Sy, George Sy, Joel Capones, Herbert Colangco, Amin Imam Boratong, Clarence Dongail, Tom Chua, Rommel Capoines, Jojo Baligad, Jacky King Sy, Willy Chua, Jacky King Sy and Herman Agojo.