Estrada’s Sta. Rosa cell for Misuari

At least, he’ll be getting presidential treatment.

Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Nur Misuari may end up being jailed in an air-conditioned detention house designed for deposed President Joseph Estrada if ever Malaysian authorities deport and hand him over to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"He will likely be the one to occupy the Erap bungalow," a ranking police official said yesterday.

The source, who refused to be identified, was referring to the P1-million, two-bedroom detention center at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where the former leader and his son Jinggoy were detained following their arrest on plunder charges last April.

The bungalow had been the headquarters of the PNP Special Action Force before being redesigned to accommodate father and son during their trial. They were later transferred to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, a military hospital in Quezon City, for treatment of their ailments.

The source said the Erap bungalow was the most likely option to be considered in the matter of police detention for Misuari, who has been charged with rebellion for instigating an attack on military detachments in Sulu on Nov. 19.

If he is turned over to the military, he will likely be detained at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, the police official said.

The source said both detention centers would be ideal in terms of security, both being located at heavily fortified camps.

After government forces crushed the Sulu rebellion, Misuari escaped to Malaysia but was arrested and detained there for illegally entering the country. President Arroyo said the government is now preparing for the repatriation and eventual prosecution of the rebel leader.

Security preparations, including scouting for a place of detention, are being made in anticipation of Misuari’s repatriation.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Diomedio Villanueva said they are ready to take Misuari once Malaysia gives the go-signal.

"Right now there are no actual directives, but we are prepared for whatever decision the commander-in-chief makes," Villanueva said.