PNP: Detention area for ‘pork’ suspects was supposed to be officers' quarters

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla's detention cell at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame is relatively spacious because it was originally meant to be lived in by police officials.

"Ito'y hindi po talaga detention cell. Ito'y officers quarters," PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Reuben Sindac said in an interview with reporters on Sunday.

He explained that the custodial center was retrofitted to accommodate suspects in the controversial multi-billion pork barrel scam.

The PNP spokesman added that the construction of the custodial center is part of the PNP Custodial Service Unit's improvement of its facilities. That also included construction of the unit's new administration building and multipurpose hall.

"However, dahil nga sa mga development na ito… minarapat na munang gawin o i-commandeer mula roon sa mga nakatalagang officers na gagamit nito," he said.

Senator Revilla has been detained at the Custodial Center at PNP headquarters since Friday after he surrendered at the Sandiganbayan.

The anti-graft court issued a warrant of arrest against the senator for plunder and graft charges which stemmed from the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam where lawmakers allegedly allocated discretionary funds to ghost projects in exchange for kickbacks.

Heat and pests

To alleviate the heat in his detention cell, the PNP has provided Revilla with an electric fan since his request for an air cooler will still be subject to court approval.

Revilla's latest concern, Sindac said, is the "presence of pests" in his room including cockroaches and rats.

"We'll try to do some pesticide work. Inimpormahan na ang headquarters service," he said.

Bunkhouses



A photo posted on popular social media site Facebook showing a comparison of bunkhouses for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda  and Revilla's detention cell drew the ire of netizens over the weekend.

"Nauunawaan ko ho ang concern ng ating mga kababayan. Subalit, unawain din po sana nila na ito ay hindi talaga dinisenyo para maging detention cell. Ito ay pansamantalang ginamit [lamang]," he said.

Sindac stressed that detaining high-profile suspects involved in the pork barrel controversy at the PNP Custodial Center is only a temporary arrangement.

"Hopefully, in due time, ililipat din sila sa akma o tamang detention facility. Sa ngayon po, ito'y temporary. Ito'y hindi po talaga detention cell. Ito'y officers quarters," he explained.

Regular visits start this week

Meanwhile, Sindac said the senator may receive visitors starting this week. Relatives and friends may visit Revilla every Sunday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"This is a high-security detention facility. Hindi kaya i-accomodate lahat ng bisita ng bawat detainee kaya may rotation," he explained.

This Sunday, the Revilla family visited the senator for bible study and fellowship followed by lunch, reported GMA News Tv's "Balitanghali."

Among those who visited the senator were his father former senator Ramon Revilla, sons Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla and Bryan Revilla, wife Lani, and sister Andrea Bautista-Ynares among others. Comedian Jimmy Santos also visited the senator.

The visitors may only stay at the visitors area of the custodial center. A maximum of 30 people are allowed.

Sindac said Revilla's lawyer, doctor and spiritual adviser may visit the senator at the detention facility "any time of the day."

Likewise, the  may bring food everyday subject to the regulation and inspection of the custodian services. — JDS, GMA News