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Napoles appeals transfer to Women’s Correctional due to security threats


Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles has appealed for the Sandiganbayan to maintain her detention at Camp Bagong Diwa due to supposed security threats against her at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.

In a very urgent motion for reconsideration filed on December 7, Napoles urged the anti-graft court’s First Division to allow her to stay at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Camp Bagong Diwa until her plunder conviction is deemed final.

Napoles said her transfer to the CIW “poses grave threats to her life and security” — the same threats she experienced when she was detained there in 2015 for the illegal detention of her cousin and whistleblower, Benhur Luy.

“Accused Napoles respectfully begs, for security purposes and humanitarian reasons, that she be allowed to be detained at Camp Bagong Diwa which is a more secured premises pending finality of the decision of this honorable court,” Napoles said in her motion.

Napoles said the Sandiganbayan should reconsider her commitment to CIW since she still has other remedies available until her conviction is final.

She also said her continued detention in Camp Bagong Diwa ensures her safety as she faces at least two more plunder cases and numerous graft charges at the Sandiganbayan.

“This plea is in light with the development of her entire cases which greatly affect her and security. Her cases are considered high-profile due to the involvement of high-ranking public officials,” Napoles said.

Napoles was found guilty of plunder last week as a co-accused of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua. The Sandiganbayan thus issued a commitment order directing her transfer to CIW.

Former legislative aide Richard Cambe was also convicted of plunder and committed to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

On the other hand, Revilla was acquitted in the case after the prosecution failed to prove he received kickbacks by channeling his Priority Development Assistance Funds, or pork barrel, to the bogus foundations of Napoles.

The camp of Napoles had said they will appeal the decision of the Sandiganbayan.

Napoles is a co-accused of former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada in their respective plunder cases. — RSJ, GMA News

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