AI Philippines says transfer of De Lima still ‘injustice’

Amnesty International Philippines on Monday called for the release from detention of former Senator Leila De Lima, a day after she was taken hostage by a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

AI Philippines Butch Olano said anything less than De Lima's release, including an offer to be transferred from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, would be continuing an injustice.

“We reiterate that the charges against Leila are fabricated, and all evidence against her is manufactured. She should not have been detained in the first place,” Olano said.

“Her immediate release is the least that the Marcos administration could do to rectify her situation. Anything less – including President Marcos’ offer to transfer her to a different detention facility – is a perpetuation of this grave injustice against her,” he added.

GMA News Online has sought Malacañang's comment but it has yet to send any as of posting time.

De Lima's lawyer Atty. Filibon Tacardon said Senator Imee Marcos had told their camp that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the PNP were offering De Lima home furlough.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, in a message to GMA News Online, said the matter “should be discussed in open court.”

Olano said the incident should be “thoroughly and impartially” investigated as it was the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all detainees.

“The Philippine government must thoroughly and impartially investigate this incident – especially as Leila has been the subject of vicious attacks and political persecution in the last five years – and ensure that this never happens again,” Olano said.

“It is the government’s obligation to ensure the safety and security of Leila, and of all detainees while in detention,” he added. —NB, GMA News