The Philippine National Police maintained that its custodial facility in Camp Crame is no longer suitable for high-profile detainees, following a request by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to be transferred there.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he has directed the PNP Legal Service to inform the Sandiganbayan and explain why the PNP Custodial Center can no longer accommodate personalities undergoing trial.
“We appreciate the trust and confidence of Senator Estrada to the PNP, but our facilities here at Camp Crame are no longer ideal to serve as detention facilities for high-profile personalities like him,” Nartatez said.
“I already directed our Legal Service to prepare a response and explanation to the Sandiganbayan on this matter,” he added.
Estrada’s legal team earlier asked the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division to allow his transfer to the PNP Custodial Center from his current detention facility.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously said there were plans to renovate the PNP Custodial Center to give way to the construction of new offices.
The facility has been used in the past to hold high-profile personalities, but the PNP said such arrangements require more manpower, resources and security coordination.
Nartatez said the growing number of PNP personnel has also created a need for additional office space and facilities, prompting plans to repurpose the custodial center.
He added that there are other secure detention facilities that can accommodate detainees and provide better conditions compared with the PNP Custodial Center, which he said has limitations.
The PNP said it will fully explain its position to the Sandiganbayan if the court asks for its comment.
“We in the PNP respect the wisdom of the court in relation to this matter, and we hope that our stand in relation to this matter will be understood and respected,” Nartatez said.