The PNP Custodial Center head was relieved amid an investigation into the hostage-taking of Leila de Lima
LEILA DE LIMA HOSTAGE-TAKING – The head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center has been relieved.
It was on Sunday, October 9, when a hostage-taking incident involving former Senator Leila de Lima took place at the Camp Crame Custodial Center.
Three detainees identified as Feliciano Sulayao Jr., Arnel Cabintoy, and Idang Susukan earlier tried to escape the facility.
Cabintoy and Susukan ganged up and stabbed a police officer while attempting to flee.
After witnessing the stabbing, another officer shot and killed Cabintoy and Susukan. This prompted Sulayao to storm into De Lima’s cell and held her hostage. He was later shot dead by a police officer.
In a press conference, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said that Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Ramillano has been relieved from his post as facility commander.
“Initially, of course, ‘yung immediate commander, so tinanggal po muna natin siya. That’s automatic for administrative investigation to determine yung culpability nung commander,” Azurin said.
De Lima stated in her sworn statement that Sulayao informed her of their complaints at the facility, including alleged mistreatment and the serving of pork to them, which is forbidden in Islam.
Colonel Mark Pespes of the Headquarters Support Service, who neutralized Sulayao during a negotiation, denied any abuse.
“Hintayin natin yung investigation,” he said. “Madali namang sabihin ‘yun.”
During a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, October 10, the PNP awarded Pespes with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for his bravery in neutralizing De Lima’s hostage-taker.
Meanwhile, Azurin stated that De Lima has been temporarily transferred to PNP General Hospital. The PNP intends to move her to a different cell within the same facility.
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