DOJ probes corpse found in New Bilibid Prison’s septic tank

FILE: DEVELOPMENTS. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, with Bureau of Corrections chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. behind him, faces the media at the Department of Justice in Ermita, Manila on Monday (March 27, 2023). Remulla gave updates on the Roel Degamo slay case and administered the oath of office of Catapang. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – The remains of a missing inmate or person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have been recovered from an open septic tank, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday confirmed that the inmate who has been reported missing since July 15 has been recovered.

“We are investigating lahat ng pangyayari I am expecting a comprehensive report at the end of the day from Gen. Catapang. Yung nawawalang PDL nahanap na — patay, decapitated (The missing PDL has been found — dead, decapitated). That is the status of the missing PDL. But there will be revelations in the next few days. There will be announcements made,” he said.

“We cannot conclude at once, we will be needing the help of forensic anthropologist. Sketchy pa lahat. We are still trying to find out, trying to get the bottom of everything,” Remulla added.

PDL Michael Angelo Cataroja went missing early this month prompting prison authorities to secure assistance from cadaver recovery canine units from the Coast Guard.

Officials said they hope to recover other parts that could be used to definitively identify the head.