Cops seize mobile phone from Bong Revilla's cell

MANILA, Philippines — Policemen confiscated a cell phone from former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who is detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame on plunder charges.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. said the gadget was found during a surprise inspection of Revilla’s detention cell.

It was Chief Superintendent Philip Gil Phillips, the head of the PNP Headquarters Support Service, who ordered the search after they learned Revilla posted a message on Facebook sometime this week.

“The cell phone was confiscated because this is a violation of the rules and regulations being implemented in our custodial service,” Durana said in an interview with reporters yesterday.

Durana said an investigation is ongoing to determine if lapses were committed by police officers guarding the detention facility.

“Definitely, appropriate sanctions will be imposed,” he said.

In a post that has since been deleted, a bespectacled Revilla posted a photograph of himself while in his room.

“This is four years away from my family, missing out on the milestones of my children’s lives, four  long years that I can no longer get back,” Revilla said.

Durana stressed rules and regulations within the facility are strictly enforced, noting that surprise inspections are conducted twice a week.

Asked if Revilla is receiving special treatment, Durana said: “That’s an allegation bordering on fake news. That is not true.”

Revilla has been in jail since 2014 following allegations he received P224.5 million in kickbacks from public funds in connection with the pork barrel scam.