FOLLOWING the Philippine National Police (PNP) officials’ admission of lapses in safety measures, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada wants the Senate to probe the October 9 hostage-taking incident inside Camp Crame as part of the upper chamber’s oversight powers in reviewing the security and safety measures inside the national headquarters of the country’s police force.

“While our police officers demonstrated swift and decisive action during a crisis situation, the incident nonetheless reflects poorly on our police organization’s capacity to perform their mandate of preventing crimes, enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and ensuring public safety,” Estrada emphasized.

The senator has filed Senate Resolution No. 258 urging the appropriate committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the attempted escape of three detainees and the subsequent hostage-taking incident inside the Custodial Center of the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In citing the necessity of the investigation, Estrada underscored the prevention of untoward and violent incidents within Camp Crame’s premises.

In the aftermath of the incident, the senator expressed concern over allegations of maltreatment of detainees and the claims made by detainee Feliciano Sulayao Jr. when he held hostage former Sen. Leila de Lima.

“Marami kaming reklamo sa ginagawa sa amin dito, para kaming hayop itrato at ang mga pagkain ay may baboy,” De Lima said in an affidavit recalling the complaints relayed to her by Sulayao.

Sulayao and two other inmates linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group and Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group – Arnel Cabintoy and Idang Susukan – attempted a prison break at the Custodial Center’s maximum security compound last Sunday.

“The police organization should inspire confidence through the institutionalization of strict security protocols in PNP detention facilities, adequate training and capacity-building of its officers and personnel, and humane treatment of persons under police custody, being respectful of their religious beliefs and cultural practices,” Estrada said.

For his part, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla paid a visit to former Sen. de Lima at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame on Wednesday to reassure her that criminality and terrorism are not part of the teachings of Islam.

Padilla clarified that his visit was not as a senator but as a Muslim and a fellow Bicolano, adding that he wanted to drive home the message that what Abu Sayyaf members who held her hostage last Sunday did not act in accordance with Islam.

“Gusto ko po iparating sa kanya, kung anumang ginawa nitong Abu Sayyaf, ang nagawa nilang hindi maganda, nagawa nilang kaguluhan, terorismo o pananakot, yan ay hindi katuruan ng Islam,” Padilla said.

“Yan ang mensahe na aming pinadala kay Sen. de Lima na isang Bikolano din ako, na talagang ako ay nalungkot din at nabigla din at nagpapasalamat din po sa PNP sa aking kababayan na Igorot na naging bayani sa pangyayaring ito,” he added, referring to P/Cpl. Roger Agustin, who was wounded in Sunday’s incident.

Padilla said he discussed the possibility of a home furlough for de Lima, but PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said de Lima chose to stay in Camp Crame. “Kaya nirerespeto natin yan,” he said.

Padilla also thanked Azurin for his public apology over some policemen’s improper use of the word “Muslim” in referring to the hostage-takers.

Padilla said Azurin did not need to give an apology and that he admired Azurin’s humility in apologizing.