Like a scene in a movie, maximum security inmate Michael Cataroja reenacts how he managed to squeeze himself into a small space underneath a garbage truck that went to collect trash at the New Bilibid Prison to escape. He was recaptured several weeks later in Rizal province. (Photo courtesy of BuCor)
MANILA, Philippines — Michael Cataroja on Tuesday apologized for escaping the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Maximum Security Compound. He said he had only grown bored because no one had visited him.
During a hearing and inspection conducted by the Senate committee on justice and human rights, Cataroja asked the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for forgiveness.
“Nagpapasalamat pa nga ako at binuhay nila ko eh (I’m even thankful that they kept me alive),” he said.
“Humihingi po ako ng malaking pasensya sa lahat ng BuCor (I am giving my big apology to BuCor),” he added.
Cataroja was first reported missing in July. He was even thought to be the owner of bones recovered from inside a septic tank in NBP. On August 17, members of the Angono police captured Cataroja in Rizal province.
READ: ‘Missing’ Bilibid inmate escaped maximum security with ease – police
READ: Convict back at Bilibid after casually walking out of prison over a month ago
Cataroja told senators during Tuesday’s hearing that he escaped NBP by gripping to a cavity beneath a garbage truck around 9:00 a.m. on July 7 after pretending to be among garbage collectors loading trash into the truck. He said he left the truck upon reaching C-6 road.
Senator Francis Tolentino asked Cataroja why he escaped. The recaptured inmate replied: “Sobrang bored lang po [ako] eh (I got so bored). Wala pong dalaw (There were no visitors).”
Cataroja said he only had visitors once a month.
Cataroja was sent to BuCor on July 26, 2022, after being sentenced for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law.
On October 20, 2022, Cataroja was transferred to NBP’s Maximum Security Compound due to a pending car theft case.