(GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / INQUIRER file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Search and Rescue Team of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has joined the search for a missing inmate from the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Friday.
The NBP is one of the seven penal institutions under the control of BuCor. Bilibid’s Maximum Security Compound houses inmates with a prison sentence of 20 years or more.
“Dumating po ang Coast Guard Search and Rescue Team, may dalang dalawang aso. Nag seek kami ng assistance para ma-search ito kaso 10.87 hectares ang lawak nito. Wala pa kami sa kalahating hektarya,” NBP Superintendent Angelina Bautista told reporters.
[The Coast Guard Search and Rescue Team arrived with two dogs. We sought their assistance in searching the area, which covers 10.87 hectares. However, we have not even covered half a hectare yet.]
The missing inmate has been identified as Michael Cataroja, 25. He has been missing since June 2023. He was convicted for violating the Anti-Fencing Law and had a pending car theft case.
Bautista said they would continue the search until they have covered the whole area, which would take up to four days.
Authorities said cannot say whether or not Cataroja had escaped.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he had already talked to BuCor Director Gregorio Catapang about the missing inmate.