Wang Bo in isolation at BI jail —De Lima

Suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo is detained in isolation at the Bureau of Immigration's facility in Bicutan, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said on Monday.

De Lima, however, denied reports that Wang was also being kept from his lawyer as his counsel Atty. Dennis Manalo alleged. She said the lawyer could always request her permission and she would allow him to see his client.

The secretary said she gave strict instructions that no one would have any access to Wang unless there is a clearance from the Secretary of Justice. She said there should also be no  communication, no cellphones and other communication gadgets.

"I just want to make sure that he (Wang) is not being accessed by the wrong people... that would exploit this issue. Kasi nga kaya lang naman naging ano itong usaping ito because of unang lumabas nga na balita na mga speculation which is totally or which is absolutely preposterous na fundraising for (Bangsamoro Basic Law) or (Liberal Party)," De Lima said.

"That one I can assure you is totally without any basis or truth," she added.

De Lima also dismissed allegations that Wang has gone missing.

"Remember when I assumed, when I took cognizance of the appeal from the BI, I immediately issued an order directing to hold in abeyance yung kanyang release because that was the necessary consequence of yung pag-reverse ng BI Board of Commissioner sa sarili nila," De Lima said.

Manalo has expressed fears for his client’s safety after he was isolated since Tuesday when Congress began its probe on allegations that BI officials allegedly ordered Wang's release in exchange for millions of pesos.

There were also allegations that Wang gave money that was used to bribe lawmakers so that the BBL would pass in Congress. -NB, GMA News