Court orders transfer of Napoles to police camp in Laguna

By: Jamie Marie Elona, Matikas Santos - 11 years ago

This office building inside the Fort Santo Domingo served as the detention cell of former president Joseph Estrada and Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front when they were separately incarcerated in the police training camp in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. CERES DOYO/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines—The Makati Regional Trial Court granted Friday the transfer of Janet Lim-Napoles from the Makati City Jail to Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, saying the “high-profile detainee” needs a safer jail facility.

Judge Elmo Alameda issued the four-page order granting the petition of Napoles with her lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, citing a “clear danger to her life.”

Napoles was brought to the Makati jail Thursday night from the national police headquarters in Camp Crame where she was held in custody after she surrendered to President Benigno Aquino Wednesday night.

A flock of sheep roam inside the sprawling Fort Sto. Domingo. Ceres Doyo/INQUIRER

An airconditioned special cell served as her detention facility in Makati City. Two female prison guards were assigned to ensure her safety.

But in his testimony, Makati city jail warden Fermin Enriquez told the court Friday morning that the facility “cannot guarantee the safety, 24/7” of Napoles.

Enriquez cited a lack of personnel at the jail to secure a “high-profile” suspect such as Napoles.

Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Malacañang would respect the court’s decision.

“We want her to be alive to face the charges…or to be able to give testimony, evidence, additional strengthening to the government’s case on the anti-corruption issue,” Roxas said. With Kristine Angeli Sabillo, INQUIRER.net