PNP Custodial Center not suitable for high-profile detainees — Nartatez

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday its custodial facility inside Camp Crame in Quezon City is no longer suitable for detaining high-profile personalities.

This developed after Senator Jinggoy Estrada appealed to be transferred to the PNP Custodial Center from the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the PNP Legal Service to formally inform the Sandiganbayan why the PNP Custodial Center can no longer accommodate personalities undergoing trial.

"We appreciate the trust and confidence of Senator Estrada to the PNP but our facilities here at Camp Crame are no longer ideal to serve as detention facilities for high-profile personalities like him," Nartatez said.

"I already directed our Legal Service to prepare a response and explanation to the Sandiganbayan on this matter," he added.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier announced plans to renovate the PNP Custodial Center and convert the area to accommodate new offices, according to the PNP.

The PNP said the custodial center had housed high-profile detainees over the years but the detention of such personalities usually requires additional manpower and resources.

It also cited its growing personnel requirements, saying more office spaces and facilities are needed within the camp.

"We in the PNP respect the wisdom of the court in relation to this matter and we hope that our stand in relation to this matter will be understood and respected," Nartatez said. — VDV, GMA News