THE Sandiganbayan on Friday denied the plea of retired police officer Wenceslao “Wally” Sombero to be transferred to Camp Crame, Quezon City from Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division rejected Sombero’s transfer request, saying “the Philippine National Police Custodial Center only accommodates detainees on a temporary basis, pending their transfer to the appropriate detention facility.”
It ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to “take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security” of Sombero as well as former immigration officials Al Argosino and Michael Robles.
Chief Insp. Romulo Flores of the Custodial Service Unit earlier rejected Sombero’s motion, saying “the establishment and maintenance of the PNP Custodial Center should never be interpreted to mean that the function of management and supervision of jail facilities in the country as well as the safekeeping and disposition of detention prisoners fall within the authority of the PNP for the same, by law, is properly vested with the BJMP.”
Argosino and Robles, in a previous motion, said they feared for their lives and requested their transfer to Camp Crame.
But days after, they withdrew their pleading, which the Sandiganbayan granted last April 17.
The court maintained Argosino, Robles and Sombero stay at Camp Bagong Diwa detention facility.
The three are facing a plunder case, a non-bailable offense, for supposed involvement in a P50-million bribery in connection with the release of 1,316 illegal Chinese workers at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.