
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Monday, Oct. 10, expressed openness to place detained former Senator Leila M. de Lima under home furlough.
“It is a possibility” but de Lima should take the initiative to ask the Muntinlupa City regional trial court (RTC) permission for home furlough, Remulla said as he stressed that “that should be discussed in open court.”
Home furlough for de Lima surfaced as she was victim of hostage-taking last Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Custodial Center in Quezon City.
One of three detainees who attempted to escape took de Lima hostage and threatened to kill her. The detainee, together with his two accomplices, died when PNP operatives responded.
Senator Imee Marcos had urged de Lima to accept the offer of the DOJ and the PNP for 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,” said Senator Marcos.
“As former members of the Kabataang Barangay together, we are all deeply worried about her health and safety,” she said.
De Lima has been detained since 2017 on non-bailable illegal drugs cases before the Muntinlupa City (RTC). She had denied the charges.
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