DILG's Remulla: No special treatment for Bong Revilla

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday no special treatment will be given to former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. who surrendered following the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with an alleged ghost flood control project in Bulacan. 

“I assure you walang magiging (there will be no) special treatment," Remulla said in a press briefing. 

He disclosed that Revilla personally called him after learning of the issuance of the arrest warrant against him.

“Tumawag siya sa akin kahapon… sabi ko best na mag-surrender ka na (He called me yesterday… I told him it would be best to surrender)," he said.

Remulla said Revilla surrendered at Camp Crame between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Monday, and was immediately subjected to standard booking and custodial procedures.

He said the former senator underwent procedures like any other detainee and was read his rights upon arrival.

“He was made to go through the entire process kung paano magtanggap ng isang voluntary surrender (He was made to go through the entire process required for a voluntary surrender)," he added.

As part of the procedure, Revilla was also required to surrender his licensed firearms, totaling around 20, both long and short firearms.

Revilla was brought Tuesday morning to the Sandiganbayan for the return of warrant. The court will decide where he will be detained. 

“And we are now ready to bring him to the Sandiganbayan kung saan sila ang magdedesisyon kung saan siya idedetine. Wala na po sa kamay namin 'yan,” said Remulla.

(We are now ready to bring him to the Sandiganbayan, which will decide where he will be detained. That is no longer in our hands.)

Remulla also clarified that the Camp Crame custodial center is no longer an option, as the facility is set for demolition to make way for a new Philippine National Police headquarters.

“Hindi na pwede. It’s up for demolition anytime this month," he added. 

Prior to turning himself in Monday night, Revilla spoke to his supporters via Facebook Live and expressed his frustration over what he called the “lack of due process” that led to the issuance of an arrest warrant and hold departure order (HDO) against him.

He said he was sad that there seemed to be no due process but vowed to face the charges without fear, adding that he is confident that the Lord will not abandon him amidst his innocence.

The former senator also sought for prayers for himself and his family.

6 of 7 suspects now in custody

“Out of the six other accused, lima ang nasa custody na galing sa DPWH. Isa na lang ang malapit na namin mahuli (Out of the six other accused, five of those already in custody are from the DPWH. Only one remains at large, and we are close to arresting her)," Remulla said. 

Aside from Revilla, those already arrested or detained are: 

• former DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office (DEO) assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez;
• former DPWH Bulacan First DEO Engr. Jaypee Mendoza;
• former DPWH Bulacan First DEO Engr. Arjay Domasig; 
• former DPWH Bulacan First DEO finance section chief Juanito Mendoza, and
• DPWH Bulacan First DEO cashier Christina Pineda

Pineda was arrested at a checkpoint near Sagada while allegedly attempting to evade authorities.

“Nahuli siya sa may Sagada. Tumakas at nahuli siya (She was arrested near Sagada. She fled and was caught)," Remulla said. 

Only former DPWH Bulacan First DEO Engr. Emelita Juat remains at-large.

The Interior chief said enforcement operations involved coordination among the Philippine National Police, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and other government agencies. —AOL, GMA Integrated News