Convicted robber-turned-singer questions NBI detention in SC
MANILA, Philippines–Convicted robber-turned-singer Herberto Colangco filed a petition for writ of amparo in the Supreme Court to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to grant him visitation rights.
Colangco is among the 19 high-profile inmates currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation.
They were transferred from the New Bilibid Prison to the NBI after a raid on December 15 that led to the discovery of illegal drugs, gadgets, posh appliances, sex toys and cash in different denominations. Colangco was discovered to have his own private music room.
In a 17-page petition, Anthony Bombeo, Colangco’s cousin told the high court that the transfer has no basis considering that none of the items seized from his possession during a surprise inspection conducted by government authorities can be considered as contraband.
Bombeo added that there were no illegal drugs or firearms in Colangco’s possession.
He also told the high court that Colangco’s rights have been violated after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima barred his relatives and lawyers from visiting him.
“To date, no one can absolutely confirm the whereabouts of Mr. Colangco and the 18 other inmates transferred from the NBP. The respondents, especially respondent De Lima, has only made declarations on television, radio and print media that Mr. Colangco and the 18 other NBP inmates are now detained at the NBI detention center,” the petitioner noted.
“The respondent (De Lima) has completely obliterated this right afforded to Mr. Colangco by no less than our Constitution. While his counsel, family members and the petitioner submit to the authority of the respondents to investigate any matter under their jurisdiction, it is equally important that the rights of Mr. Colangco as enshrined in our Constitution be respected and not denied for unlawful, arbitrary or whimsical reasons,” the petition further stated.
The writ of amparo serves as a remedy for the protection of the constitutional rights of the person who is or under threat of enforced or involuntary disappearances committed of being committed by government agencies and its personnel.
“Considering the circumstances surrounding his detention at the NBI Detention Center since December 15, 2014, it is the firm belief of the family of Mr. Colangco and the undersigned counsel that his life and security are in great danger,” the petition stated.
Furthermore, Bombeo said Colangco’s incommunicado status have led to doubt as to his actual whereabouts and security.
Colangco was found guilty for the crime of robbery in 2010 and was sentenced to a period of 12 to 15 years. He took his case to the Court of Appeals who has yet to rule on his conviction.
Colangco became popular after he managed to produce a music video of his song “Kinabukasan” while inside the national penitentiary.
“Kinabukasan” is part of his album of the same name, which has turned gold and platinum.
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