Lintang Bedol to follow strict rules in police jail-PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines—Former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol will have to  follow the strict  regulations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame, where he will be detained upon orders of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Thus spoke  Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, on Thursday, when queried on the reception that awaits the former poll body executive when he arrives  at Camp Crame.

“We are used to having high profile detainees inside Camp Crame,” said Bacalzo. “But we have some security procedures to follow,  regardless  if a detainee is a high profile or ordinary prisoner.”

Bacalzo assured that Bedol will be given his right to counsel, as well as legitimate visits from family members and friends

“If he needs medical assistance or spiritual guidance, those are  allowed, but there are strict laws that will have to be followed, with no exceptions, ” he said.

Bacalzo added that the PNP facility is very secure, and Bedol cannot escape.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered on Tuesday that Bedol be detained at the PNP custodial center in Camp Crame while the poll body investigates the affidavit he submitted detailing alleged cheating in the 2004 and 2007 national elections.