US lawmaker’s adviser visits De Lima

MANILA, Philippines — A security adviser of a US lawmaker yesterday visited former senator Leila de Lima at her detention cell at Camp Crame.

Chris Homan is the senior adviser on national security and foreign policy of US Senator Dick Durbin.

Homan was accompanied by the other staff members of Durbin when he visited De Lima at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center.

A statement from the PNP said Homan and three other persons arrived at the camp at around 9:40 a.m.

The visitors were received at the Chief PNP Lounge for briefing and documentation.

They were briefed by Lt. Col. Larry Gabion, chief of the PNP Custodial Center, on the adjusted security measures imposed at the facility following the attempted escape of three Abu Sayyaf bandits in October.

“Mr. Homan was informed that De Lima’s health condition is regularly monitored by PNP doctors. The team was also briefed of De Lima’s own decision to remain at the facility despite offers of transfer of detention facility,” the PNP’s statement read.

The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branches 204 and 256 earlier allowed the rescheduling of the visit of Homan to De Lima, more than five years in detention.

Originally, the visit was allowed by the court anywhere from Oct. 23 to 28, but due to issues and engagements, this was rescheduled to Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.

The visit yesterday ended at about 10:20 a.m., the PNP said.