The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, June 5, that it would carry out a Sandiganbayan order placing former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan under hospital arrest and transferring him to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame.

In a statement, PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Bonoan was granted hospital arrest under a resolution issued by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.

“The accused is presently under medical care in a private hospital where he has undergone a series of diagnostic procedures as part of his ongoing medical management,” Melencio said.

“Upon clearance from his attending physician, appropriate arrangements will be made for his transfer to the PNP General Hospital (PNPGH), which is capable of providing specialized medical monitoring and custodial care,” he added.

Earlier reports indicated that Bonoan was confined at The Medical City while remaining under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

He surrendered to police on June 1 after an arrest warrant was issued against him by Sandiganbayan in connection with plunder and graft charges over alleged illegal budget insertions and purported kickbacks linked to DPWH infrastructure and flood-control projects funded under the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Earlier in the day, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government would abide by the anti-graft court’s order to have Bonoan placed under hospital arrest.

The former public works chief is among officials facing charges before the Sandiganbayan but his request for hospital arrest was granted amid concerns over his medical condition.

Bonoan, 80, reportedly has acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, CKD or chronic kidney disease, carcinoma, prostate cancer, and spine pain.

The PNP stressed that security measures were already in place while Bonoan remains confined in a private hospital.

“The PNP is strictly implementing the court’s directive and has put in place the necessary security and custodial measures to ensure compliance with the conditions imposed by the court,” Nartatez said.

The police force added that decisions on Bonoan’s confinement and eventual transfer would remain under the authority of the anti-graft court.

“All matters relating to the accused’s confinement and transfer shall remain subject to the orders and authority of the Sandiganbayan,” the PNP said.

The PNP also underscored that it was carrying out its role as custodian of persons under court-ordered detention.

“The PNP remains committed to the faithful enforcement of lawful court orders while ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of persons under its custody,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

The Sandiganbayan’s order effectively places Bonoan under police custody while allowing him to continue receiving medical treatment. His transfer to the Camp Crame facility will depend on the recommendation of his attending physicians.