By Gabriela Baron
Three senators on Sunday, Oct. 9, urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an investigation into the incident that led to the hostage-taking of former Senator Leila de Lima.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who personally visited de Lima, condemned the hostage-taking that took place inside the PNP Custodial Center.
“We demand an explanation and a thorough investigation of this violent incident from the PNP and the Department of Justice. We need answers,” Hontiveros said.
“How can armed detainees easily gain access to the custodial cell of Sen. Leila, which is deep inside the PNP national headquarters? What lapses in security must be addressed, and most of all, who is responsible for these lapses? We strongly deplore this breach of duty,” she added.
Hontiveros also urged the PNP to increase the security arrangements around de Lima and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring against the former senator or other detainees.
In a separate statement, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel called on the PNP to come up with a detailed report on the incident.
“We worry for the safety of Sen. Leila de Lima. PNP should come up with a detailed report on what happened and why this happened considering that Sen. de Lima is held in a separate area away from other inmates,” Pimentel said.
“We are glad with the initial report that she is okay. The wheels of justice in this country must move quicker,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos asked de Lima to undergo a medical checkup and to take the extended home furlough.
“I strongly urge Sen. Leila de Lima to have the medical checkup she requires, with her own physician, as well as immediately take up the extended home furlough that both the DOJ and the PNP offered as early as July,” Marcos said.
“As former members of the Kabataang Barangay together, we are all deeply worried about her health and safety,” she added.
The three suspects, who were members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, were neutralized, according to PNP.
READ MORE: De Lima hostaged in Camp Crame jail
