The Philippine National Police gave recognition to the police officer who rescued former senator Leila De Lima after a brief hostage taking in her detention facility last Sunday.
In a GMA News report, the PNP conferred Headquarters Support Service Director Police Colonel Mark Pespes with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan.
Three detainees attempted to escape the custodial facility but failed and were neutralized after.
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“Every time sumisigaw si ma’am na ‘nasasaktan ako…nasasaktan ako’. And then nag-threaten na siya na by 7:30, ‘papatayin na kita’. So, mabilis lang na decision, wala naman kaming time na mag-usap doon sa staff na nasa tabi ko na through this kwan na lang…noong humingi na siya ng tubig. Gusto niya sa dispenser so pumasok ako sa first room,” Pespes recalled.
PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin said that following the hostage taking incident several changes will be implemented in the custodial center.
The camp of De Lima is studying the possibility of requesting for home furlough.
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“Idi-discuss namin sa kanya ‘yung options sa kanya, medical furlough, home furlough, at hihingin namin ‘yung kanyang state of mind ngayon,” Atty. Filibon Tacardon said.
“Kasi iniisip namin baka ‘yung kahapon ‘yung kaniyang pag-decline sa offer ni Secretary Abalos, intidihin natin na she was still traumatized at hindi pa niya napo-proseso ‘yung buong situation,” he said.
“Pero top of mind pa rin sa kanya ‘yung she still feels safe sa Custodial Center at this time,” Tacardon added.
