By Gabriela Baron
Former Senator Leila de Lima was held hostage by three inmates inside the Camp Crame Custodial Center in Quezon City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Sunday morning, Oct. 9.
PNP Chief PGen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said three persons under police custody (PUPCs) attempted to escape the PNP Custodial Center and hostaged de Lima.
The three PUPCs, namely Arnel Cabintoy, Idang Susukan, and Feliciano Sulayao Jr., were Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) members.
“Yes ASG sila lahat with kidnap for ransom and multiple illegal detention cases,” Azurin told PTV News in a text message.
The three suspects were already “neutralized,” according to Azurin.
Azurin also reported that de Lima was safe and that one officer on-duty who was earlier stabbed by the suspects has been rushed to a hospital.
“Senator de Lima is now safe while the police officer who was stabbed was rushed to the hospital for treatment,” he added.
“Tension inside the detention facility has been defused and the situation has returned to normal while investigation is ongoing to review the security protocols inside the PNP Custodial.”
