Another high-profile Bilibid inmate contests transfer before SC

Another high-profile inmate has contested his transfer from the New Bilibid Prison to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) compound.

In a 17-page petition, Herbert Colangco, through his counsel Anthony Bombeo, said the transfer effected last December 15 was baseless because the items seized from him during a surprise raid cannot be considered as contraband.

Bombeo added that there was neither illegal nor prohibited drugs or firearms in Colangco's possession like those confiscated from the other inmates.

Bombeo also said since Colanggo's  transfer to the NBI, none of his family or lawyers have been allowed to visit him.

"To date, no one can absolutely confirm the whereabouts of Mr. Colangco and the 18 other inmates transferred from the NBP. The respondents, especially respondent [Justice Secretary Leila] de Lima, has only made declarations on television, radio and print media that Mr. Colangco and the 18 other NBP inmates are now detained at the NBI detention center," the petition, which is seeking for a writ of amparo, read.

The writ of amparo serves as protection of the constitutional rights of the person who under threat of enforced or involuntary disappearances committed by government agencies and its personnel.

"Considering the circumstances surrounding his detention at the NBI Detention Center since December 15, 2014, it is the firm belief of the family of Mr. Colangco and the undersigned counsel that his life and security are in great danger," the petition said.

Bombeo claimed Colangco was being held incommunicado in violation of his rights.

Colangco was found guilty of robbery in 2010 and was sentenced to a period of 12 to 15 years imprisonment. He has appealed the conviction before the Court of Appeals.

While in detention at the NBP, Colangco managed to shoot several music videos at his kubol or makeshift shelter inside the NBP compound.

His "Kinabukasan" album under Ivory Music got gold and platinum status earlier this year. The awards were certified and authenticated by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, Inc. (PARI, inc.) based on the total units sold.

Colangco even held a concert and charity show last April 27 inside the penitentiary.

Apart from Colangco, four other inmates have contested their transfer before the CA or the Supreme Court. —KBK, GMA News