Police start dry run on GMA transfer

MANILA, Philippines - Police have started conducting dry runs on the transport of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her arraignment on charges of electoral sabotage.

Arroyo remains under arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Mario dela Vega said the former leader will be escorted by operatives from the QCPD, Eastern Police District and Southern Police District.

Dela Vega said that 16 patrol cars from the QCPD will be joining the convoy that will transport Arroyo from the VMMC to the Pasay City regional trial court.

Dela Vega said they just want to make sure that security measures are in place when the court sets the date for Arroyo’s arraignment.

The court had earlier postponed the Feb. 20 arraignment of Arroyo and her co-accused, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan and former election officer Lintang Bedol, to resolve the pending motions filed by the accused.

Lawyers of Arroyo filed a motion urging the court to proceed with the arraignment for security and health reasons.

QCPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent James Bucayu said that at the moment, there is no threat on the safety of the former leader.