INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines–The relieved Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center Chief Superintendent Mario Malana was just a sacrificial lamb, detained alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) claimed.
“His relief from his post, while at first blush seemingly laudable, may actually be diverting the need for sincere attention and pinning ultimate responsibility from the reported sweetheart deals by PNP superiors and mercenary politicians with these high-maintenance celebrity detainees,” CPP power couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon said in a statement.
Malana was administratively relieved on Wednesday after the PNP Headquarters Support Service (HSS) found that he failed to strictly enforce the visitation policies for the Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada who are detained at the PNP Custodial Center.
Reports have surfaced that the two lawmakers, accused of graft and plunder for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam, have been receiving visitors until as late as 2 a.m. when the detention facility’s policy allows visitors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.
He is now facing suspension for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 59 days and without pay or allowances, pending a hearing of his case.
Earlier this week, the detainees signed a manifesto in defense of Malana, urging the court to transfer the detained senators to other jail facilities.
The detainees said that Malana’s removal might result in stricter policies inside the detention cell, and that only “ordinary detainees” would suffer.
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