Makati RTC orders return of Napoles to Fort Sto. Domingo

Janet Lim Napoles undergoing routine check-up. PNP-GH / Camp Crame file photo

MANILA -– Presiding Judge Elmo Alameda, of the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150, on Tuesday ordered the return of Janet Lim-Napoles from Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) to Fort Sto. Domingo on or before May 23, 2014.

The said court is handling the serious illegal detention case, a non-bailable offense, of Napoles.

Napoles has been confined for almost two months for the treatment of the cyst in her uterus since her admission on March 31.

The court denied the motion for an additional period of confinement in the hospital until her series of checkups/examinations are completed due to lack of merit.

The two-page order by Alameda was based from the corroboration of Philippine National Police (PNP) Region IV-A Director, Chief Inspector Magnolia Ruth Priscilla Bermudez, that she is “ready” to receive Napoles in Fort Sto. Domingo as the requirement advised by Dr. Efren Domingo, the personal gynaecologist-oncologist of Napoles, is already met by the police camp.

The order includes the direction to Bermudez “to take all precautionary measures to prevent the patient from contracting infection by seeing to it that she will not be exposed to elements like dirty environment and to make her comfortable as possible.”

The court also ordered the Bermudez to provide adequate number of security personnel to escort the accused on her return to Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna from OsMak.

Among the requirements of the area for Napoles to fully and safely recuperate should not have grossly dirty areas, no dirty waters, linens, and beds, and must not be of warmer temperature according Dr. Domingo.

Bermudez, who took the witness stand on Tuesday hearing, said that the vicinity is a hygienic place with no piggery, poultry, and open creek in the surrounding area.

Napoles is susceptible to contracting infection if the requirements are not met, according to her attending physicians.

According to the PNP doctor, the detention cell is a single-level bungalow, a 70-80 square meter area with double perimeter fences. She added that there are electricity, water, double-deck bed, table, and chair.

”Nobody else is detained in the same detention center, no dirty creek nearby, no garbage, no animals, and no informal settlers [are dwelling] around the area,” Bermudez said.

However, she said the heat will be a problem although there is one window in front, on the side, and inside the bedroom. The area is ventilated, but it might still be warm even with electric fan.

Bermudez pointed out that if any medical emergency arises, Southern Luzon Medical Center is just five minutes drive away from the camp.

Napoles underwent total hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or removal of her entire uterus and both ovaries on April 23.

Apart from the serious illegal detention case, she is also facing plunder charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam implicating some senators and government officials.