Missing Bilibid inmate recaptured

MANILA, Philippines — The missing inmate of the New Bilibid Prison, whose remains were thought to be found inside a septic tank at the NBP’s maximum security compound, was apprehended by police in Rizal yesterday.

Michael Cataroja’s arrest was confirmed by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang.

“Yes, he was arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police,” Catapang told The STAR in a text message.

The BuCor said Cataroja, who has been missing since July 15, was recaptured by members of the Angono, Rizal police.

Catapang ordered an investigation on how Cataroja, 25, was able to escape from the NBP and to find out who were responsible.

Authorities used sniffing dogs to trace the missing inmate’s whereabouts, which led them to a septic tank in Bilibid where a bone, which was initially presumed to be human, was retrieved.