The camp of former senator Leila De Lima plans to take steps to ensure her safety after an inmate took her hostage during a failed escape attempt on Sunday, October 9, at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Atty. Filibon Tacardon, the legal counsel of De Lima, said that his team considers filing a motion to grant bail for De Lima, who faces charges for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
"Ang legal team naman namin siguro ay magpupulong na lang kami, i-assess namin yung situation para makapaglatag ng legal steps para maprotektahan si Sen. Leila De Lima," Tacardon told DZRH.
Three inmates tried to escape from the PNP Custodial Center after stabbing a police officer but they all perished during the attempt.
Amidst the escape attempt, one inmate ran to the compound holding De Lima and took her hostage but PNP assured that the former senator suffered no injuries during the incident
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benhur Abalos Jr. said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proposed transferring De Lima to another detention facility for her safety.
However, De Lima rejected the offer.
"Upon instructions from President Bong Bong Marcos, another facility would be provided Sen Delima keeping in mind her safety, at the option of Sen Delima to either remain at her current facility or be transferred to another one," Abalos said in a Facebook post.
"What is paramount is the safety of everyone including Sen de Lima. Senator de Lima opted to stay at her current facility," he added.
