The request of former Bureau of Immigration officials Al Argosino and Michael Robles and that of retired policeman Wally Sombero that they should be detained at Camp Crame was denied.
The three are currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The three are accused of the non-bailable offense of plunder arising from the supposed P50-million bribe attempt by businessman Jack Lam for the release of illegal Chinese workers back in 2016.
Argosino and Robles said there are threats against them because they are fraternity brothers of President Rodrigo Duterte and jailing them with illegal drug offenders in Camp Bagong Diwa would put their lives in danger.
The two also cited their medical condition as another reason for their request for transfer.
Sombero also said there are threats to his life in Camp Bagong Diwa as he is a former policeman.
But the Office of the Special Prosecutor rejected the request, telling the Sandiganbayan 6th Division that the reasons cited by the accused to be transferred to Camp Crame were unfounded.
“The security reason advanced by accused-movants to justify their transfer to PNP Custodial Center appears to be speculative for want of evidence showing the existence of actual threat that will imperil their safety,” the prosecution said.
“Unless and until accused-movants can show factual and legal basis for their arguments, no special accommodation and safety protocols should be accorded to them, nor should they be treated differently from all other detained persons facing criminal charges in court,” the prosecution said.
The PNP, which has jurisdiction over the custodial center in Camp Crame, has yet to submit their comment on the request for transfer.
