San Juan police to augment Erap security during visit to mom

The San Juan police will deploy additional policemen to augment the security of former President Joseph Estrada during his visit to his ailing mother today at her house in Greenhills.

San Juan police chief Superintendent Rodelio Jocson said the local police force is ready to assist the Sandiganbayan security personnel to increase police visibility during Estrada’s visit to his 102-year-old mother Doña Mary Ejercito at her house on Kennedy Street in Greenhills, San Juan from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Although it is not part of our duty... we are ready to augment them," Jocson said.

The Sandiganbayan Special Division earlier issued a two-page resolution that granted Estrada’s request to visit his mother.

In issuing the resolution, the Special Division acted on the supplemental motion filed last Nov. 2 by Estrada through his lawyer, former senator Rene Saguisag.

The court had earlier denied Estrada’s request to spend All Saints’ Day with Doña Mary and to stay with her until Nov. 3.

But this time, the court had granted a one-day pass to Estrada after considering the comment of the prosecution panel to limit the visit to just one day.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had objected to Estrada’s request, saying it needed more time to prepare security escorts from his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal, where the former president is detained, to San Juan.

The Special Division also ordered the PNP Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) to coordinate with the Sandiganbayan’s Sheriff Office regarding the security arrangements for Estrada when he is transported from Tanay to Greenhills and back.

In addition, the court also ordered the PSPO to control and supervise all of Estrada’s visitors, including the media. The court ordered that all media interviews would be disallowed except upon order of the court.

Estrada was also prohibited by the court to use any electronic communication device and cellular telephones while he is under the supervision of the PNP at his mother’s house.

Estrada, who was ousted in a popular revolt in 2001, is facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan.

He last saw his mother during her birthday in May, which was held at Estrada’s mansion in North Greenhills. – Sandy Araneta, Mike Frialde