Marcoleta co-accused Mike Defensor, Joseph Espiritu committed to QC Jail in P75M plunder case

Two of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta's co-accused in the P75-million plundef case – former congressman Mike Defensor and businessman Joseph Varias Espiritu – have already been committed to the custody of the Quezon City Jail - Male Dormitory after their arrest on Monday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), citing information from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), said Defensor and Espiritu were committed to the detention facility at 3:58 p.m.

They were found in a coffee shop in Quezon City and were later arrested, according to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

“The BJMP further confirmed that both persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have completed standard custodial processing and have been integrated into the general PDL population,” the DILG said in a statement.

“The DILG reiterates that all persons committed to BJMP custody are treated in accordance with the law and established custodial procedures,” it added.

In the statement, the BJMP assured the public that no special treatment will be given to Defensor and Espiritu, adding that the Department remains committed to “impartial and professional enforcement of the law.”

According to a "24 Oras" report by Raffy Tima, Defensor and Espiritu, with their lawyers, arrived at the New Quezon City Jail compound on a Philippine National Police coaster van.

Defensor was seen through the vehicle’s window smiling and raising his fist as the coaster entered the compound. He also gestured that he would not be speaking to the media.

Defensor and Espiritu’s lawyers spent nearly two hours inside the compound.

Defensor's daughter and lawyer, Michaela "Mikee" Defensor, refused to grant an interview, but she mentioned that her father is in good condition in jail and is being treated as a regular detainee.

Mikee Defensor said they can no longer do anything about her father's arrest and will simply face the charges in court.

According to a BJMP spokesperson, Defensor and Espiritu are in good condition and are sharing a cell designed for 10 persons.

“Nakahalo sila sa general population. In fact, ito 'yung dito sa malapit sa mga na-involve din sa flood control na former DPWH officials—nandoon sila sa area na ‘yun,” BJMP Spokesperson J/Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said.

(They are detained with the general population. In fact, they are located near the area of the former DPWH officials who were also involved in the flood control issue—they are in that same area.)

According to the BJMP, the two recently committed PDLs are set to undergo medical examinations.

Before Defensor and Espiritu’s arrest, Marcoleta was arrested at the Sandiganbayan after his motion to quash was denied, according to Remulla.

Marcoleta is undergoing various medical examinations to ensure his fitness before his commitment to a detention facility. –Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/NB/RF, GMA News