Maguans hit gov't failure to release Go 'kidnap' report

MANILA, Philippines - The family of convicted murderer Rolito Go’s victim criticized yesterday the government’s failure to release the results of its investigation of how Go was able to leave the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City a month ago.

“The Department of Justice and other government agencies involved in the investigation have not made any public pronouncement since Go’s disappearance last Aug. 14,” said Grace Maguan, Eldon Maguan’s sister.

Go disappeared from the NBP last month but resurfaced the next day in Alabang, Muntinlupa after reportedly being “kidnapped” by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The NBP sacked five Bureau of Corrections personnel held responsible for Go’s disappearance from prison: Senior Officer 1 Gabriel Magan, officer-in-charge of the NBP minimum security compound; SO1 Serafin Geronimo, SO1 Edgardo Cruz and prison guards Andrew Corre and Arman Soriano.

Grace said they are puzzled why Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has not filed any case against the NBP officials and other personnel liable for Go’s overnight disappearance.

Grace said they are also waiting for the result of an investigation into allegations that Go was seen gambling at a casino in Pampanga on the day he supposedly went missing from the NBP.

De Lima said they are still “awaiting final results of the investigation.”– Non Alquitran, Sandy Araneta