Judge cuts short ex-mayor’s hospital arrest, orders her transfer to jail
Mugshot of former Dingras, Ilocos Norte Mayor Marynette Gamboa. Photo from the Quezon Police District – Public Information Office
LAOAG CITY—Former Dingras town Mayor Marynette Romero Gamboa, 55, was transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology here as she faced multiple charges in relation to the 2009 killing of an executive of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).
Gamboa, who stands trial at the sala of Judge Felix Salvador of the Regional Trial Court Branch 17 in Batac City, has been under hospital arrest for more than a week due to high blood pressure.
In a radio interview on Thursday, Jail Senior Inspector Antonio Sapaden Jr., warden of the Batac BJMP, confirmed that Gamboa is now in BJMP custody and given no special treatment.
Earlier, Salvador has ordered Gamboa’s doctor to discharge the former mayor from the hospital and turn her over to the BJMP in Batac City.
“The sickness for which the accused was diagnosed does not require prolonged confinement.,” the judge said.
“Many people have been found out to be suffering from such ailment and they do not stay long in any hospital. Besides, the accused has stayed in the hospital long enough for any medication adjustment,” said Salvador in the July 10 court order.
The Eastwood police station and the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 1 last month arrested Gamboa at a condominium in Quezon City based on an arrest warrant issued by Salvador. Gamboa allegedly masterminded the ambush of Dingras Mayor-elect Joefrey Saguid and the killing of INEC president Lorenzo Rey Ruiz in 2009. LEILANIE ADRIANO /tsb
