Sotto commends DOJ chief for relieving NBP head, 12 prison guards

Sen. Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III. Photo courtesy of Inside Pinoy Showbiz.

MANILA – Senator Vicente Sotto III on Monday commended the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the immediate action of relieving New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Supt. Fajardo Lansangan and 12 prison guards who accompanied a suspected drug lord in a private hospital.

”I would like to commend Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for her immediate action of relieving the 12 prison guards,” Sotto said in a press statement.

Sotto, former chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), said the “quick” action of the DOJ on the incident “should serve as example for all public officials and public servants to emulate.”

”If all government officials will be as resolute and decisive as Secretary De Lima, then there is no need for the Senate to conduct inquiries or investigations. It is all a matter of implementing the rules, regulations and the law, with upholding public interest as the overriding principle,” Sotto said.

Sotto condemned the special treatments reportedly being accorded to high-profile inmates, including Ricardo Camata, suspected head of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang.

Camata was brought to the Metropolitan Medical Center last May 28 reportedly due to lung ailment but for two nights a starlet and two television dancers were brought to the room of the suspected drug lord as seen on the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera.

Another high profile inmate named Herbert Colangco, a leader of bank robbery group, was also reportedly taken to the Asian Hospital in Alabang last May 27.

De Lima said the hospitalization of the high-profile inmates did not have approval from her office.

Sotto said law enforcers put their life on the line to arrest the criminal elements and “yet these plagues in our society are given special treatment by erring prison guards, most likely in exchange for financial considerations.

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”Anyone who abets, helps, and gives preferential treatment to these drug dealers should suffer the consequences,” Sotto said.

Sotto, a long-time advocate against illegal drugs, urged the public to remain vigilant against the menace of society.