DOJ orders probe into special treatment of high profile inmates

Department of Justice building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered an investigation into reports that high profile inmates are being allowed to undergo medical treatment at private hospitals.

“I have directed the Usec-in-charge (Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan) to immediately probe those reports and submit a report,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said in a text message.

Last month, convicted drug lord Ricardo Camata alias Chacha, commander of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik gang, was taken to the Metropolitan Hospital in Manila due to lung ailment. However, starlet and television dancers were brought inside his hospital room.

Last May 27 Herbert Colangco alias Ampang was brought to Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang. He is the leader of the bank robbery gang responsible for the heists in 2003 in Pampanga and Quezon City and Paranaque in 2005.

Then, last May 13, Amin Boratong, the operator of the shabu tiangge (drug flea market) in Pasig, was taken to Medical City due to recurring coronary artery disease and a liver ailment.

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