PNP to act professionally on possible arrest of 54 accused in ‘pork scam’ — DILG

Philippine National Police mass oath-taking. File photo courtesy of PNP on Facebook.

MANILA — Secretary of Interior of Local Government Manuel Roxas II on Friday said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will act accordingly in case the Sandiganbayan releases warrants of arrest against the three senators and 51 others facing plunder charges in connection with the pork barrel scam.

In a press briefing held in PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Roxas said the PNP will do their duties in case of a court order, and there is no intent to embarrass or demolish the dignity of the people involved in the case.

The PDAF scam broke out in July 2013 allegedly involving some members of congress over the reported misuse of lump-sum discretionary fund coursed through non-government organizations.

Businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles is the suspected mastermind in the scam.

Last Saturday, Roxas visited the Custodial Center at Camp Crame saying the repair of the detention center is already done and ready to accept possible detainees.

He added the PNP renovated the quarters or barracks of the custodial center so it can accommodate detainees including the 54 people charged in the pork barrel scam.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office director, said the detention cells, each measuring about three meters by three meters, are at par with international standards. Each detention cell has a double-deck bed, mattress, basic toilet, running water, pail and dipper.

“At this point, the PNP is ready to take the high profile detainees that will be committed to us by the Sandiganbayan. The Custodial Center is prepared,” Sindac said.

He added the PNP is merely complying with the standards on international human rights, requiring the humane condition inside detention cells.

Last Friday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges with the Sandiganbayan against the three senators and several others, including Napoles.

Napoles is already under detention at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna for the serious illegal detention case filed by whistle-blower and former employee Benhur Luy.