PNP returns order of arrest for Jinggoy Estrada

By: Marc Jayson Cayabyab - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday dropped by the Sandiganbayan to return the order of arrest for Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.

In their “Compliance/Return of Order of Arrest,” the PNP CIDG said Estrada surrendered to them at around 11:45 a.m. on Monday after an arrest warrant is issued for his plunder and graft charges over the pork barrel scam.

The police said they turned over Estrada to the PNP Custodial Center for temporary safekeeping pending the commitment order.

The police also went to the anti-graft court to await the commitment order that would determine the place of Estrada’s detention.

“It is most respectfully prayed that the return of order of arrest be accepted and a commitment order be issued against the subject arrested person for his detention at the PNP Custodial Center Barracks in Camp Crame, Quezon City,” the return order read.

On Monday, the Sandiganbayan fifth division issued the arrest warrant against Estrada and his co-accused after finding probable cause to hold them on trial.

The Ombudsman, in indicting the senator, said Estrada amassed P183.795 million in commissions from 2004 to 2012 from the alleged illegal disbursement of his Priority Development Assistance Funds.

Philippine Senator Jinggoy Estrada waves to the media and supporters as he is escorted to his detention cell after surrendering to police authorities Monday, June 23, 2014 at Philippine National Police headquarters at suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. AP

Estrada faces one count of plunder, a non-bailable offense, and 11 counts of graft.

Also charged were Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Juan Ponce Enrile, and alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

Revilla surrendered Friday to the anti-graft court after it found probable cause on the charges filed against him. He is now detained in Camp Crame.

This is not the first time that Estrada would be detained for plunder. He was detained with his father, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, in 2001 but the senator was later acquitted and released.