Police tighten Napoles’ hospital security
Ospital ng Makati. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Following reports of lapses in security for alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles at the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak), police said on Wednesday that visiting policies were now being strictly implemented.
Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief, said tighter security was being enforced after Dr. Perry Ishmael Peralta, the hospital’s medical director, testified in court Monday that their policies on visiting hours and number of visitors were being violated.
Guarding Napoles were re personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) Calabarzon police regional office.
Peralta said the hospital’s visiting hours were from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with only two visitors allowed per patient at a time.
But the hospital administration learned that visitors who were not included in the guest list were able to enter Napoles’ room.
The influx of “unwelcome” visitors, according to the defense lawyers of Napoles, was causing her stress.
“The two visitors at a time policy is now being strictly implemented although at time it exceeds by one person since a policewoman should be always present in her room,” he said.
He added that since the complaint, security personnel no longer allowed visitors beyond 6 p.m.
The Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150 will decide on Thursday if it would allow Napoles to stay longer in the hospital or if she would be brought back to jail.
“If the court orders us to transfer Napoles, the PNP is ready. We will follow the same security template,” Sindac said.
Airconditioned cell?
Asked if there were renovations being made at the detention house of Napoles at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Sindac said the interior of the cell remained the same.
But should the hospital recommend an airconditioned cell for Napoles, who had underwent surgery, the police would comply.
“Installing an aircon unit may be an option if it would recommended by the hospital but they should file a petition first before the court,” he said.
Napoles is charged with serious illegal detention before the Makati court for allegedly kidnapping her former employee and relative-turned-whistleblower Benhur Luy.
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