Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has urged his colleagues to look into the October 9 hostage-taking drama right inside the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City as part of the chamber’s oversight powers in reviewing security and safety measures.
“While our police officers demonstrated swift and decisive action during a crisis situation, the incident nonetheless reflects poorly on our police organization’s capacity to perform their mandate of preventing crimes, enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and ensuring public safety,” Estrada emphasized.
The senator filed Senate Resolution No. 258 urging the appropriate committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the attempted escape of three detainees and the subsequent hostage-taking incident inside the Custodial Center of the PNP headquarters, with detained former Sen. Leila de Lima taken as one of the hostages.
Estrada, in citing the necessity of the investigation, underscored the prevention of any untoward and violent incidents within Camp Crame’s premises.
In the aftermath of the incident, the senator expressed concern over allegations of maltreatment of detainees and the claims made by detainee Feliciano Sulayao Jr. when he held De Lima as a hostage.
“Marami kaming reklamo sa ginagawa sa amin dito, para kaming hayop itrato at ang mga pagkain ay may baboy,” De Lima said in an affidavit recalling the complaints relayed to her by Sulayao.
Sulayao and two other inmates linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group and Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group – Arnel Cabintoy and Idang Susukan – attempted to bolt their cells at the Custodial Center’s maximum security compound last Sunday.
“The police organization should inspire confidence through the institutionalization of strict security protocols in PNP detention facilities, adequate training and capacity-building of its officers and personnel, and humane treatment of persons under police custody, being respectful of their religious beliefs and cultural practices,” the lawmaker said.
Sen. Robin Padilla visited De Lima in Camp Crame on Wednesday to reassure her that criminality and terrorism are not part of the teachings of Islam following her being held hostage by 3 Abu Sayaff members last Sunday.
Padilla said his visit to De Lima was not as a senator but as a Muslim and a fellow Bicolano. He wanted to drive home the message that what her hostage takers did, was not act in accordance with Islam.
Meanwhile, Padilla said he discussed the possibility of home furlough for De Lima, but PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the former lawmaker opted to stay in Camp Crame.
“So we respect that,” he said.
Padilla also thanked Azurin for his public apology over the improper use of the word “Muslim” by some policemen in referring to the hostage-takers.
He said Azurin did not need to give an apology yet was humble enough to give it.