By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Senior Superintendent Gerardo Padilla of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) was cited in contempt and sentenced to 30 days in Bicutan jail for refusing to answer questions from lawmakers regarding the 2016 deaths of three Chinese inmates at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF).
Padilla, the former officer-in-charge (OIC) of DPPF, declined to respond when asked about the transfer of inmates Fernando Magdadaro and Leopoldo Tan Jr. to the Inmate Custodial Aid (ICA) area following their involvement in the killing of the three Chinese nationals.
The questioning occurred during a House investigation on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, focused on drug war deaths during the Duterte administration.
“Superintendent Padilla, a new homicide case has been filed against Magdadaro and Tan for killing the Chinese. They admitted to the crime. Why were they placed in ICA? That decision was within your discretion and authority. Please answer,” Abang Lingkod party-list lawmaker Stephen Paduano pressed Padilla.
When Padilla continued to refuse, simply replying “Yes” to Paduano’s follow-up question, the House Quad Committee cited him in contempt for his refusal to cooperate with the inquiry.
As a result of the citation, Padilla will serve a 30-day detention at the Bicutan city jail.
Magdadaro and Tan previously claimed they stabbed the Chinese inmates to death under orders from former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. They also alleged that Duterte personally called Padilla to commend him for the job.
Jimmy Fortaleza, a person deprived of liberty (PDL), testified before the House panels, stating that he witnessed the transfer of Magdadaro and Tan to the ICA. Fortaleza also mentioned seeing the two inmates wearing fine clothing and jewelry after the incident and hearing about them receiving P1 million each.
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