MANILA, Philippines - Murder convict Rolito Go on Thursday was escorted back to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City after he was allegedly kidnapped along with his nephew Tuesday night by four men.
Go and his nephew and nurse, Clemens Yu, were however released by their captors unharmed somewhere in Batangas. They were also allegedly given money for bus fare to Alabang.
Reports said Go, who looked very weary, was brought under heavy guard to the NBP hospital within the maximum security compound of the detention facility.
Go used to stay at his quarters at NBP's minimum security camp where inmates have living-out privileges.
In an earlier interview, NBP Supt Richard Schwarzkopf Jr.said Go would be transferred to the maximum security section of the facility after the alleged kidnapping incident.
Go was convicted of killing an engineering student of the De La Salle University in 1991.
PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said Go told them that he and Yu were abducted from the NBP.
Yu was visiting Go during the supposed abduction. Yu has been frequently visiting Go at the NBP's minimum security compound because the convicted killer is suffering from colon cancer.
"Rolito Go has multiple abrasions sa kanyang kamay, contusions sa likod, lacerated wound sa kanyang ulo at that caused may dugo (sic) sa left collar ng kanyang T-shirt," Bartolome said in a television report.
Bartolome said Go claimed that four men abducted him and his nephew at around 8 p.m. Tuesday and that the abductors took Yu's white car and they were taken to Batangas, where they attempted to escape their captors.
Go's relatives had reported that the kidnappers were initially demanding P1-million for the release.
However, the kidnappers changed their minds and decided to release Go and his nephew.
Bartolome said that according to Go, the kidnappers even gave them money for their bus fare to Alabang in Muntinlupa City.
Go and Yu were met by the police and their families in Alabang. From Alabang, the two were taken to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Bartolome said Yu would remain at Camp Crame while they probe the supposed kidnapping.
Escapee
Schwarzkopf said Go was last seen near his kubol or hut about 7:40 p.m. Tuesday and failed to show up during the headcount about three hours later.
Bureau of Corrections director Gaudencio Pangilinan confirmed the escape when Go again failed to show up at the mandatory headcount of inmates Wednesday morning.
“We consider him an escapee. If proven, he will be charged with evasion of sentence,” Schwarzkopf said.
No more privileges
Go would be transferred from the minimum security compound to the maximum security camp inside the NBP, Schwarzkopf said.
He added that they decided to temporarily detain Go at the NBP hospital located within the maximum security camp of the facility after his reported kidnapping from the minimum security compound.
"Pansamantala ay sa NBP hospital located sa maximum security compound siya," Schwarzkopf told a radio interview.
Following the incident, privileges that Go enjoyed at the minimum security compond were removed, but the convict would still be accompanied by a prison guard to watch over him, Schwarzkopf said.
"Kahit nasa maximum security compound siya, may bantay pa rin siya," the NBP chief added.
He also noted that they have consulted the NBP legal officers regarding the alleged kidnapping of Go and Yu.
"Dahil sa nangyari na iyan idadaan muna sa ating legal office... isasangguni natin iyan sa abugado dito," the NBP head said when asked regarding the possible charges against Yu and the status of Go who is scheduled to be officially released next year.
Schwarzkopf also said Yu would no longer be allowed to visit his uncle at the maximum security compound as NBP doctors would be taking care of Go's medical needs.
"Definitely sa NBP hospital ang ating mga doctors at nurses ang mangangalaga sa kanya...ang pagpunta ni Clemens Yu, pansamantala ititigil muna iyan," he said.
Meanwhile, three more prison guards--Edgardo Cruz, Andrew Corre, and Arman Soriano--have been relieved over the disappearance of Go from the detention facility.
In a separate TV interview, Schwarzkopf said the incident may affect Go's pending release next year.
As a minimum security prisoner with designated work assignment, Go is allowed to live outside the prison compound but still inside the NBP reservation. His hut is located beside the Inang Awa Church. -Dennis Carcamo