The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it completed a difficult one-day operation to serve Sandiganbayan arrest warrants against Senator Rodante Marcoleta and three co-accused in a P75-million plunder case.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he was satisfied with the conduct of police units involved in the operation, particularly the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which led the implementation of the warrants.
“The serving of the arrest warrants may look easy for most of our kababayan but what was not seen was the hard work and sacrifices in the planning and in carrying out that plans. The speed and efficiency of the entire operations are proof of that,” Nartatez said.
“I commend the CIDG and all the units involved for showing once again the professionalism and the operational readiness to accomplish even the most challenging missions,” he added.
Nartatez said the arresting teams followed legal procedures, observed the rights of the accused, and carried out the court order professionally and without unnecessary force.
He said the operation was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to enforce the law, uphold due process, and implement court orders fairly and without fear or favor.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division’s arrest warrant was first served on Marcoleta, who was brought to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame for booking procedures.
During processing, police personnel noted Marcoleta’s age and health condition after his blood pressure rose and he later complained of chest pains.
Nartatez said the PNP acted with caution and provided medical attention in accordance with procedures for persons under police custody. He said further medical tests were conducted to prepare a full health report for submission to the Sandiganbayan.
“We took the side of prudence on this matter by making sure that he is accorded the medical attention that the PNP could provide as a matter of rules and procedures on all persons under police custody,” Nartatez said.
Former Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu were arrested hours later at a coffee shop in Quezon City, while the fourth accused, Aristotle Viray, was apprehended later in the evening.
Nartatez said the PNP would not extend special treatment to anyone facing criminal charges and would continue to carry out court orders with impartiality and professionalism.
“We already completed the mission as far as the Sandiganbayan order is concerned and this serves as proof of our commitment to honor our mandate of enforcing the law, including court orders,” he said.