Fellow detainees want 'disruptive' Bong, Jinggoy transferred

MANILA, Philippines - Fellow inmates of senators Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. and Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada want them transferred to another detention facility as their presence creates disruption in the area.

More than 50 inmates of the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame signed a handwritten statement issued on Wednesday expressing concern that the media attention on the two plunder respondents has threatened the facility's day-to-day affairs.

"Ang tunay na solusyon ay ang paglipat ng mga senador sa kulungang akma sa sitwasyon nila," said the 58 signatories, including newly arrested communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

Those who signed the petition included high-profile suspects as Supt. Hansel Marantan and companions tagged in the Atinomnan massacre as well as Revilla's aide and graft co-accused Richard Cambe

The detainees said that it was the first time in a decade since Police Supt. Mario Malana took over as Custodial Center warden that the place encountered trouble.

They said that Malana ran the place competently but recent media reports that visitors of the two senators staying beyond the visiting hours have raised calls for Malana to face administrative charges.

"Ang alingasngas sa madaling araw na pag-uwi ng mga bisita sa selebrasyon ng anibersaryo sa kasal in Sen. Estrada ay labis na pinalaki ng media reports at ngayon ang warden, si P/Supt. Malana, ay pinagpapaliwanag," they said.

"Pero hindi makalulutas ng problema ang pagpapalit ng warden dahil ang problema ay ang dalawang senador na nakukulong dito at ang sobrang tutok ng media sa kanila," they continued.

The detainees defended Malana saying he respected prisoners' "rights"  and  be allowed to engage in activities such as praying, exercise and gardening. The warden also ensured that cells and other facilities for inmates are well kept.

"Kaya umaapela kami sa trimedia para ikonsidera ang naipahayag namin dito at nang maisaayos ang kalagayan dito para sa kabutihan ng lahat," they said.