BUREAU of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. yesterday directed intelligence, security and operations units to update security procedures in the transportation of high-risk detainees after the botched rescue attempt on a Chinese detainee in Paranaque City guarded by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology last April 7.
Catapang said this would address any security lapse when BuCor personnel escort detainees to attend court hearings.
“This reflects a proactive approach to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the public at large,” Catapang said.
“The review aims to identify vulnerabilities and implement more stringent protocols to safeguard the transportation of high-risk detainees effectively,” he added.
He said that although the Paranaque police apprehended six assailants who engaged BJMP personnel in a firefight in their foiled effort to rescue Chinese Hu Yang, it is still “better to take precautionary measures.”
Hu faces criminal charges before the Makati regional trial court, including violations of the New Anti-Carnapping Act and the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
BJMP personnel were transporting Hu back to his detention facility in Paranaque City when the assailants blocked and sprayed the vehicle with gunfire, wounding one security escort.
The three other BJMP personnel traded gunfire with the suspects, who, in their haste to flee the scene, crashed their getaway vehicle into a tree, enabling pursuing cops to arrest them.
“Hu Yang’s case is particularly concerning as he is allegedly associated with a notorious kidnapping syndicate known for its brutal methods, including torture and murder of victims,” Catapang said, adding Hu is also wanted by Chinese authorities for his involvement in a kidnapping case in Jinjiang City.
