PNP: No Crame jail for ex-BI execs, Sombero

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has refused to accommodate former Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles as well as retired police officer Wenceslao “Wally” Sombero Jr. at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In an eight-page opposition paper submitted to the Sandiganbayan, the PNP said the motion filed by the three to be transferred from Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig would entail additional expenses and resources on the part of the government.

In their urgent motion filed on Wednesday, Argosino and Robles sought their transfer to the PNP Custodial Center, saying they may be “exposed to possible attacks by drug suspects being held at Camp Bagong Diwa.”

Argosino said he is suffering from diabetes and hypertension so he should not be detained in the overcrowded Quezon City jail annex.

Citing threats to his life, Sombero also sought his transfer to the PNP Custodial Center. 

Sombero is being held separately at a newly vacated cell at Camp Bagong Diwa.

“He is alone for now but most likely, he will be joined there by Michael Robles and Al Argosino,” Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, spokesman for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, said.