MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation has taken custody of high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian due to threats to his life.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II confirmed on Wednesday that Sebastian was transferred to NBI custody from New Bilibid Prison on Tuesday night.
Aguirre said that Sebastian’s camp asked for the inmate’s transfer.
He, however, declined to provide details.
READ: Sebastian claims De Lima was protector of Bilibid drug trade
Sebastian, convicted for kidnapping, claimed in a House inquiry that he gave P10 million to then Justice Secretary Leila De Lima for her campaign funds.
Before testifying, Sebastian was attacked by other inmates in Bilibid, a move that he said was meant to silence him.
Sebastian also filed criminal charges against De Lima for allegedly requiring him to raise funds using illegal drugs while inside the national penitentiary.
READ: Jaybee files graft raps vs De Lima
De Lima denied the accusations and said that Sebastian was a government asset during the Aquino administration.
Meanwhile, Aguirre clarified that they have not yet placed Sebastian under Witness Protection Program.