DOJ axes Bilibid doctors, security head over 'VIP' scandal

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed two prison doctors and the head guard of the New Bilibid Prison after high-profile inmates were sent to private hospitals without clearance from the agency.

Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan said that doctors Gloria Garcia and Cecilia Villanueva were relieved from their posts for referring three notorious inmates to private hospitals despite their seemingly non-urgent medical cases.

Prison Supt. Gabrial Magan, chief of Bilibid's escort unit, was also axed.

Baraan said in a dzMM radio interview on Monday that Garcia and Villanueva should have secured a DOJ clearance before recommending the transfer of drug lords Ricardo Camata and Amin Buratong and robbery gang leader Herbert Colangco.

Baraan said the two doctors face administrative charges for neglect of duty and abuse of authority.

Baraan earlier accused the penitentiary of treating some inmates like VIPs.

Read: BuCor admits high-profile inmates left for private hospitals

Hospital footage shows Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang leader Ricardo Camata being allowed to use a mobile phone, familiarly conversing with jail guards and entertaining visitors in his hospital room. Among his identified visitors was actress Krista Miller.

Earlier this month, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered the dismissal of Bilibid's chief and some jail guards. - Camille Diola