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Sandiganbayan 1st Division orders Napoles’ detention at Camp Bagong Diwa


The Sandiganbayan First Division on Monday ordered the detention of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

This, after the alleged pork barrel mastermind was acquitted by the Court of Appeals from her serious illegal detention case involving her former aide Benhur Luy.

In open court, the First Division granted the prosecution's motion to have Napoles detained at Camp Bagong Diwa, asking the court to reiterate its earlier commitment order to incarcerate her at the BJMP facility.

"Wherefore, let a commitment order be issued for the transfer of Janet Lim Napoles from Correctional Institution for Women to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City," First Division Acting Chairperson Geraldine Faith Econg said during the hearing.

The court's granting of the prosecution's motion, in turn, denied Napoles' request to have her transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Custodial Center, citing threats to her security.

Napoles is currently detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City after she was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or 20 years and one day up to 40 years in jail, by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 for the serious illegal detention case. 

The First Division is handling Napoles' plunder and graft cases with former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. over their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

BJMP mandate

During the hearing, Econg it was the BJMP's mandate under RA 6975 to take "custody and safekeeping" of persons detained "awaiting investigation or trial."

Napoles, in her motion, argued that her request to be transferred to NBI is "in light with the recent development of her entire cases" which concerns her "life and security."

She pointed out that the threats against her has become "serious and strong" following news that she may be considered a state witness against officials in the planned re-investigation of the pork barrel scam.

"Accused was now bombarded with almost everyday death threats to the point that her belongings were ransacked. Accused is now receiving written threats from unknown individuals," her motion read, adding that she feels much safer in the NBI Custodial Center.

However, contrary to what Napoles argues, the NBI's purpose "is not to keep custody of persons undergoing trial," Econg said.

While the court is not insensitive to Napoles' plight as regards the threats against her, Econg said the "plea for safety and security is premature at this stage."

The prosecution has also submitted the same motion to the Third and Fifth Divisions of the Sandiganbayan, which handles the cases of Napoles with former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, respectively.

Atty. Stephen David, Napoles' lawyer, said they will file a motion for reconsideration to the court's ruling.

The three divisions have earlier denied Napoles' petition for bail for her cases with the three former senators. — RSJ/ALG, GMA News

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