Convict who turned Bilibid unit into ‘studio’ won awards for his music

Not even prison could stop Herbert "Ampang" Colangco from making music, for which he won awards this year.
 

The convicted bank robbery gang leader has appeared to have turned his kubol inside the New Bilibid Prison into a recording studio, where he recorded his album, as well as several music videos. 

 

The result, "Kinabukasan" (Ivory Records), reached gold and platinum status, PEP.ph reported in May. 

 

In September, Colangco – who adopted the name "Herbert C" – was even named New Male Recording Artist of the Year at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music. 
 

He won in the said category alongside actor Richard Yap.

 

On his Facebook page, Colangco posted photos from the program held inside prison, wherein he received the award.

 

The "official" fan page, which has 312 likes as of Wednesday morning, also shows photos and videos from benefit concerts and shows he holds inside the penitentiary, as well as jamming sessions.

Asked on Wednesday about Colangco producing a hit album while in prison, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima remarked that the questionable part of it is the "VIP treatment" that he and the other convicts were getting, a tweet from GMA News' Victoria Tulad said.

 

The studio was among those raided Monday in a surprise inspection led by De Lima. 

 

The raid yielded more surprising finds, including luxury items like a 48-inch flat screen TV, split-type airconditioning unitis, a home theater, and even a jacuzzi.

 

Cellphones, as well as signature clothes and accessories – among them Ray-Ban sunglasses and Rolex watches – were also found.

 

According to De Lima, the inspection was held in a bid to "completely incapacitate" the drug trade, noting that a "significant portion" of the said industry can be traced to inmates inside. 
 

Twenty convicts have been transferred to an "undisclosed holding facility," where they will stay until authorities are done dismantling the four "extravagant" units or kubol.

Court records and those of the National Bureau of Investigation indicate that Colangco is Herbert Romarate Colangco. His social media accounts, however, identify him as Colanggo. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/RSJ/VC/NB, GMA News