In anticipation of an order for their arrest, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already prepared a facility where Senators Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. may be detained, GMA News’ “24 Oras” reported on Thursday.
“Meron na tayo. Naka-ready ang ating headquarters service. Meron nang lugar sa ating Custodial Center kung saan sila pagdadalhan,” PNP Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) chief Dir. Benjamin Magalong said in an exclusive interview.
Magalong said the facility was especially made for the three senators.
“Meron talagang ginawa para sa kanila,” Magalong said.
Enrile, Estrada and Revilla are facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the pork barrel fund scam.
The Ombudsman is expected to elevate the case before the Sandiganbayan anytime soon after it had denied on Thursday the motion for reconsideration filed by the three senators to junk the case.
A source from the PNP told GMA News that eight detention cells were recently constructed at the Custodial Center for the possible arrest of the three senators.
The source said the newly-built detention cells are located in the area where Rizal Alih, who led the 1989 Camp Kawa-Kawa siege in Zamboanga City was previously detained.
The source said each cell has an area of 13×13 square meter and each has its own bed and electric fan.
The newly-built detention cells are also far from cells of other detainees at the PNP Custodial Center.
However, Police Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor, spokesman to the chief PNP, said the repair works at the Custodial Center weren’t done especially for the anticipated arrest of the three senators but to improve the condition of inmates.
“Kung sino man ang mapupunta doon, ang bottom line dyan is, at least it is convenient and comfortable, in accordance with the standards ng (Commission on) Human Rights,” Mayor said. -Elizabeth Marcelo/NB, GMA News
