PNP chief on arrest vs. Imelda Marcos: We have to consider her age, health

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Monday said the age and health of former First Lady Imelda Marcos would be considered if she will be arrested following her conviction last week.

"The former First Lady hindi naman natin siya... baka magalit sa atin ang matanda. May edad na kasi. Unang-una, we have to take into consideration the edad, 'yung age... In any arrest, that has to be taken into consideration, 'yung health, the age...," Albayalde said in a press briefing.

He added that there is no coordination yet as there is still no arrest warrant released against Marcos as of this morning.

However, he already advised the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to lead the arrest if the police will be ordered to nab the former First Lady.

"Unang-una as of this time, wala pa. Even advance coordination wala pa. We don't want to be in advance or parang mag-speculate kami na ilalabas na 'yung decision sa kaniya," he said.

"We heard na 'yung decision ilalabas today. Kung lalabas 'yung warrant of arrest, it will be the CIDG. I've already told the director ng CIDG to lead kung kami talaga 'yung mautusan na mag-aresto sa kaniya," Albayalde added.

The PNP chief also ensured that the custodial center in Camp Crame is ready if Marcos will be brought there.

"Kung talagang may kautusan 'yung korte na dito talaga dadalhin sa amin, 'yung facility naman namin is ready to accommodate the former First Lady. Palaging malinis 'yan. We welcome anybody... We have custodial facilities that are ready to accommodate mga politicians," Albayalde said.

The Sandiganbayan has found Marcos guilty of graft in connection with her financial interests in Swiss-based foundations during her time as Minister of Human Settlements and interim member of Congress.

Marcos, who did not attend the promulgation, was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum prison sentence of 11 years "for each count" of graft. She is also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Militant lawmakers lauded the decision, but raised concerns that Marcos may not serve her prison sentence for various reasons.

Other critics also expressed concern that President Rodrigo Duterte would grant Marcos a presidential pardon, considering that the Duterte and Marcos families are allies.

Malacañang, for its part, said it would be "premature" to speculate on whether Duterte will grant a pardon to Marcos. —KG, GMA News