DOJ allows Rolito Go to undergo chemotherapy

Rolito Go. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DoJ) has allowed convicted killer Rolito Go to undergo chemotherapy for his rectal cancer.

In an Endorsement letter, the DoJ approved the recommendation of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Officer-In-Charge Manuel Co that Go be allowed to seek medical treatment outside the prison facility.

Co made the recommendation after Dr. Samuel Ang, acting head of the Medical and Dental Division of the New Bilibid Prison, examined and certified the need for Go’s medical treatment.

Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan, based on the Endorsement dated September 11, said that Go would undergo chemotherapy for his recurrent rectal cancer for three to five days a month for four to six consecutive months depending on his (Go) response to the chemotherapy.

The chemotherapy session shall be conducted by Dr. Juanita Lu Lim, oncologist, at the Chinese General Hospital.

“This shall be subject to strict compliance with prison rules and regulations with the NBP detailing the manpower security complement consisting of two (2) custodial personnel per shift on a 3 shift basis with one (1) Senior Custodial Inspectorate who will go around the hospital to conduct random inspection and the escorting route will strictly be from NBP to hospital and back…” the letter said.

It also said that all expenses that may be incurred in the course of the treatment would be shouldered by Go.

Go was convicted for the death of college student Eldon Maguan in a road rage incident in 1991.

He has been in prison for 19 years.

Last August, Go and his nephew were allegedly kidnapped from the prison facility but was back two days later after they were released by their so called abductors.

The DoJ and its attached agency National Bureau of Investigation is still investigating the incident although initial findings showed that Go was kidnapped.