Napoles transfer to Bicutan jail set–PNP

By: Bong Lozada, Marc Jayson Cayabyab - 10 years ago

Janet Lim-Napoles. BOY SANTOS/POOL

MANILA, Philippines—After staying inside Fort Santo Domingo since her arrest on September 1, 2013, pork barrel scam alleged mastermind Janet Lim Napoles is set to be transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Bicutan.

In a text message Monday from Chief Superintendent Reuben Sindac, Philippine National Police Spokesman, he said the “official turn-over” of Napoles would be conducted in Fort Sto. Domingo. Sindac added that the PNP would provide escort from Laguna to the BJMP compound in Camp Bagong Diwa.

On Friday last week, Napoles requested from the Sandiganbayan to allow her to be detained in Fort Sto. Domingo citing threats to her life and security.

Napoles, the mastermind in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam, said it is “courtesy” to allow her to stay in the headquarters of the Special Action Force as the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 ordered her to stay in the police garrison.

But earlier Monday, the Makati Regional Trial Court said it does not object to the Sandiganbayan’s move to transfer Napoles to Camp Bagong Diwa.

Sandiganbayan third division Associate Justice Samuel Martires said the anti-graft court received a comment from the Makati RTC Branch 150 interposing no objection to the transer of Napoles.

“Makati RTC issued comments interposing no objection to transfer of Napoles to BJMP,” Martires said in a text message.

Napoles was ordered detained by the Makati RTC hearing her case for serious illegal detention involving her former employer and principal whistleblower Benhur Luy.

But the anti-graft court’s third division issued a resolution ordering Napoles’ immediate transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa as she faces separate charges of plunder and graft over the pork barrel scam.

The court had said Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna where Napoles is detained is not a detention facility for those facing trial.

Forces from the Police Regional Office Calabarzon would lead the security forces for Napoles in the transfer.

Other members of the convoy include the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group, SAF, and PNP Highway Patrol.