Dera and the six NBI security officers at the DOJ before undergoing inquest proceedings on Thursday. (Tetch Torres-Tupas / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines–-Detainee Jad Dera and six security officers from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) sought a preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed against them following their arrest for allegedly sneaking out of detention at midnight Wednesday.
Dera is facing a complaint of Corruption of Public officials and Employees under the Revised Penal Code, while the six NBI security officers are facing complaints for infidelity in the custody of prisoners/detained person and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft Law.
Lawyer Mark Anthony Te, counsel for Dera, said they opted to sign a detention waiver as a requirement for a preliminary investigation so they can respond to the accusations and submit supporting evidence.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Dera managed to sneak out of detention Tuesday evening and returned at midnight Wednesday, where he and his NBI escorts were arrested.
Te said that Dera had been feeling ill and had requested permission to consult a doctor.
“Bale masama pakiramdam nya. Kailangan nya lumabas at nagpaalam sa mga NBI personnel. Pinagbigyan naman po sya,” Te told reporters.
[He did not feel well. He needed to go out and inform the NBI personnel and was allowed to do so.]
He said Dera was suffering from gastritis.
He, however, refused to comment on reports that Dera was spotted dining at a restaurant.
As evidence, the NBI submitted a joint affidavit of arrest, photos, and videos of the arrest, and a screenshot of CCTV footage of Dera eating at a buffet restaurant in Makati.
Dera is one of de Lima’s co-accused in the illegal drug trade case currently ongoing trial at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.
DOJ Spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano said Dera has other pending criminal cases.