Another drug lord runs to SC

MANILA, Philippines - A high-profile convict currently isolated at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has turned to the Supreme Court (SC) to oppose his transfer from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa. 

The wife of convicted drug lord Amin Imam Boratong has filed a nine-page petition with the SC, seeking the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus, a writ of habeas data and a writ of amparo compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to return the inmate to the NBP. 

Through lawyer Paul Laguatan, Memie Sultan-Boratong argued that the transfer of her husband to the NBI detention center in Manila had no basis and did not have the necessary court order.

She also claimed that the transfer violated Circular 26-2000, which requires the commitment of inmates classified as national prisoners under Presidential Decree 29, at the NBP.

Boratong’s wife questioned why her husband was included among the inmates transferred to the NBI when there was no contraband found in his room at the NBP and he was not living in luxury and comfort.

She also said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s order barring Boratong’s lawyer and family members from visiting him violates Republic Act 7438, which lists the rights of arrested and detained persons.

Boratong’s wife said the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus and data is necessary to compel De Lima to justify the basis for his transfer.

She argued that the issuance of these writs would give Boratong unhampered access to his lawyer and members of his immediate family.

She also asked the SC to allow them to inspect Boratong’s detention cell at the NBI.

Boratong was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009 by the Pasig regional trial court for owning and maintaining a “shabu tiangge (flea market)” in the city.

Earlier, three other inmates transferred to the NBI with Boratong – Michael Ong, Willy Sy and Noel Martinez – filed separate petitions for writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals.  

Aside from the four, the other inmates isolated at the NBI are Peter Co, Eugene Chua, Chua Sam Li, Vincent Sy, George Sy, Joel Capones, Herbert Colangco, Clarence Dongail, Tom Chua, Rommel Capoines, Jojo Baligad, Jacky King Sy, Willy Chua, Jacky King Sy and Herman Agojo.  

They were transferred to the NBI following the raid at the NBP last Dec. 15 where various contraband – including illegal drugs and cash – had been seized from their kubols or prison huts in the NBP’s maximum security compound.