DOJ on barring of De Lima’s visitors: PNP followed rules

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday defended the police officers who barred guests from visiting former senator Leila de Lima at her detention cell at Camp Crame over the weekend.

DOJ spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano said members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were merely performing their job when they prohibited visitors from personally greeting De Lima, who turned 63 on Saturday.

“The PNP was merely following the rules,” Clavano said.

Among those who were not allowed to visit De Lima were retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, former senator Franklin Drilon and lawyer Chel Diokno.

Clavano said the denial to visit De Lima was a matter that should be left for the courts to decide.

Police maintained that the denial of De Lima’s guests was bound by “strict rules on visitation” under the PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2018-02.

Written requests should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the date of visit, police said.

De Lima has been detained at the PNP Custodial Center since February 2017 on drug charges.