Palace assures De Lima’s safety after arrest

Senator Leila de Lima. AP

Malacañang assured Friday the safety of detained Sen. Leila de Lima after she was arrested for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“Gen. Bato has assured the safety of the senator,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Abella said De Lima should “put herself at rest” as the Duterte administration assured to follow “due process.”

“We do respect the rights of everyone,” he said.

De Lima on Friday morning turned herself in to agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after the Muntinlupa Regional trial Court issued an arrest warrant against the senator.

The senator was brought to Camp Crame where space inside the PNP Custodial Center is reserved for her.

READ: De Lima arrives at Camp Crame after arrest

Abella said De Lima’s detention at the police custodial center was “temporary,” dismissing claims of special treatment for the senator.

“I think it’s a temporary situation and she will be brought to the right quarters at the right time as soon as her process of being taken in is finished, is done,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who has traded barbs with De Lima over illegal drugs, has yet to issue a comment on the senator’s arrest. CDG

READ: Arrest lauded as a ‘victory,’ hit as ‘political persecution’

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