More security funds for high-risk inmates urged

Janet Lim-Napoles, sister of Reynald Lim, escorted by the authorities. PNP photo

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is asking for additional budget to secure alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, the senators involved and other high-risk detainees.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac head of the PNP’s Public Information Office said they were forced to cut off expenses for court appearances of Napoles.

More than half of the recorded expenses were trimmed, from P120,000 to P50,000 per trip covering Napoles’ travel from Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna to the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City.

The PNP said the amount is still not inclusive of the P150,000 monthly expenses for Napoles’ food, guards, gas, electricity and other operational expenses at the detention facility.

From the original 120, Napoles’ escort from the detention facility to the anti-graft court was also reduced to around 50 to 70 escorts.

“The PNP employs around 50 to 70 policemen tasked to escort her convoy,” Sindac said.

The government is now looking into the PNP’s request.

“At this point, it is important to say that the PNP will not skirt its responsibility in securing Napoles and other detainees,” presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB.

“That will be looked into by the PNP and the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) as to where the budget can be sourced from,” she added.