PNP honors cop who rescued De Lima

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday honored the police officer who rescued former senator Leila de Lima from an inmate who took her hostage at the PNP Custodial Center on Sunday.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras,” the PNP conferred Headquarters Support Service Director Police Colonel Mark Pespes with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for his heroism in neutralizing the hostage-taker.

Three persons under police custody (PUPCs)—Arnel Cabintoy, Idang Susukan, and Feliciano Sulayao Jr.—attempted to escape the detention facility at Camp Crame over the weekend by stabbing Police Corporal Roger Agustin, who was serving their food. Cabintoy and Susukan were shot dead by a police officer while Sulayao was able to run and take the former legislator hostage.

Sulayao initially demanded a helicopter, a Hummer, and media presence in his bid to escape. But while the captor was asking for water, Pespes said he saw the chance to neutralize him.

“Every time sumisigaw si ma'am na 'nasasaktan ako...nasasaktan ako'. And then nag-threaten na siya na by 7:30, 'papatayin na kita'. So, mabilis lang na decision, wala naman kaming time na mag-usap doon sa staff na nasa tabi ko na through this kwan na lang...noong humingi na siya ng tubig. Gusto niya sa dispenser so pumasok ako sa first room,” he said.

(De Lima was shouting ‘I’m getting hurt’.. and then by 7:30 he was threatening to kill her. It was a swift decision because we didn’t have the time to talk with the staff…when he asked for water from the dispenser, I entered the first room.)

Following the incident, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said they will impose stricter security measures to prevent a repeat. Among the new regulations is the prohibition of using metal utensils; a buddy system for police officers delivering food to detainees; additional security personnel; and stern monitoring of visitors and their belongings.

Azurin also ordered the relief of facility commander Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Ramillano as the investigation into the incident continues.

GMA News has reached out to Ramillano for comment.

De Lima is currently staying at the PNP General Hospital. She was initially offered a transfer to another facility but she declined.

Lawyer Filibon Tacardon, her legal counsel, said they may request a medical or home furlough depending on de Lima’s decision.

“Idi-discuss namin sa kanya ‘yung options sa kanya, medical furlough, home furlough, at hihingin namin ‘yung kanyang state of mind ngayon,” Tacardon said.

(We will discuss her options. It can be medical or home furlough but we will ask about her state of mind first.)

“Kasi iniisip namin baka ‘yung kahapon ‘yung kaniyang pag-decline sa offer ni Secretary Abalos, intidihin natin na she was still traumatized at hindi pa niya napo-proseso ‘yung buong situation,” he said. “Pero top of mind pa rin sa kanya ‘yung she still feels safe sa Custodial Center at this time.”

(We think her refusal to be transferred was due to trauma or maybe she has yet to process the situation. But on top of her mind, she still feels safe at the Custodial Center at this time.)

For their part, Agustin and Jonathan Carpio—an inmate who helped the cop when he was being attacked—are now safe, according to the report. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA News