Estrada, Jinggoy transferred to Laguna jail

Ousted President Joseph Estrada, who was transferred to the Sta. Rosa, Laguna police jail at dawn yesterday, appealed to his supporters to stay calm after they attempted to storm Malacañang in an apparent bid to install him back to power.

He also asked the military and the police not to shoot at the "defenseless masses" who still consider him the country’s rightful president.

In a statement he relayed through his son, San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada, the jailed former leader called for sobriety and calmness on the part of his supporters who were seen attacking anti-riot policemen on the road leading to the presidential residence early yesterday.

"I earnestly call on our people for calm and sobriety and to exercise restraint in the face of the grave crisis facing our nation today," he said. "We must not give this regime an excuse to declare martial law to ensure its continued stay in power."

Estrada, who faces charges of plunder, was hastily flown by helicopter from the Veterans Memorial Hospital to Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna yesterday.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza said the sudden transfer of Estrada and his son to the heavily fortified police camp was meant to secure them from the mob that was gathering in Metro Manila.

Top police officials accompanied the Estradas to their new prison cell, a small bungalow recently constructed inside the police camp.

Former First Lady Luisa Ejercito, Jinggoy’s wife Precy and lawyer Rene Saguisag also joined the former president to Sta. Rosa.

Jinggoy Estrada said his father was up as early as 3 a.m. yesterday monitoring on television how his supporters at the EDSA Shrine decided to march to Malacañang.

"He was very concerned about what’s happening," the young Estrada said.

After his transfer, the ousted leader issued a statement condemning the government for violently dispersing his supporters. He said he never wished harm on anyone, "rich or poor," and he cited this as the reason why he voluntary left Malacañang in January at the height of protests seeking his ouster.

"During my incumbency, I have refrained from giving orders to disperse those who were against me. I had high hopes that this regime would do the same, but sadly it did not," he said.

He claimed to be saddened by the violence that followed the dispersal of protesters, particularly at Malacañang, and he extended his sympathy to those hurt and also the policemen who were killed.

"The blood of these victims is now on the hands of those in power. They shall be accountable to our people and to the coming generations on this shameful and irresponsible act. This is a sad day for our country..."