Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials were given personal insights into the daring escape of a maximum security prisoner whose disappearance was initially misinterpreted as another mysterious killing at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Inmate Michael Angelo Cataroja, who is serving time for violation of the anti-fencing law, reenacted how he slipped through the NBP’s tight security by squeezing himself underneath a garbage truck that was leaving the prison compound last July 7.
The BuCor has released a video of the reenactment.
Cataroja, 25, was recaptured at his parents’ home in Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal last Aug. 17.
He was initially reported missing on July 15 and was believed killed, his body believed dumped into a septic tank at the NBP.
He underwent inquest proceedings on Aug. 18 and was remanded back to NBP on the same day.
BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. has created a board of inquiry to look into Cataroja’s incredible escape. Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier noted that Cataroja, who also has pending charges for car theft, was an expert in motor vehicles and this knowledge helped him leave the NBP maximum security compound without being detected.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights will also look into the Cataroja issue in a public hearing on Tuesday.
The panel chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino held an inquiry last week following the alleged discovery of a mass grave beside a septic tank inside the national penitentiary.
The investigation also unraveled a supposed scheme on how drug syndicates smuggle and repack prohibited drugs inside the NBP.