Cops transfer Beltran to Heart Center

The Philippine National Police escorted Anak Pawis party-list Rep. Crispin Beltran to the Philippine Heart Center yesterday, a day after the Makati City Regional Trial Court approved his transfer of confinement.

Beltran, who had been charged with rebellion along with 47 others for allegedly being part of the move to oust President Arroyo in a coup attempt, has been under police custody since Feb. 25.

Director Marcelo Ele Jr. of the PNP said the transfer of Beltran from the PNP General Hospital to Heart Center does not mean he is a free man.

"He remains under the police custody," he said.

The PNP maintained that Beltran can accept visitors at the Heart Center from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

The party-list lawmaker, accompanied by daughter Olivia Lalusis and a doctor, left the PNP hospital at past 3 p.m. Beltran’s wife Rosario and other supporters were on board two other vehicles.

Beltran was arrested in Bulacan on allegations that he was part of the effort to oust the President during the 20th anniversary of people power.

Also charged with rebellion were party list Reps. Lisa Masa, Rafael Mariano, Joel Virador, Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño, know as the "Batasan 5."

"Ka Bel’s continuing detention at Camp Crame is unjust not only because the government has detained an ailing 73-year-old parliamentarian and veteran labor leader. It is an obvious manifestation of the brutal political repression being waged by President Arroyo against her critics," read a statement of the Free Ka Bel Movement.

Lisa Ito, Beltran’s press officer, claimed they were given the run-around at Camp Crame when they tried to find out which office was handling the release of Beltran.

For his part, PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said there was no attempt on the part of the PNP to delay the transfer of Beltran from Crame to the Heart Center.

"We are just observing the procedures for the transfer. Hindi po natin binibigyan ng pabor o hinihigpitan ang iba, we are just following the process," Pagdilao said.

In an interview with reporters, Beltran said he was thankful for the transfer. "Masyadong below standard. Unang-una walang mga equipment dito. Kung magpapa-examine ka, halimbawa dugo o kaya stool, pupunta pa sa ibang clinic para ma-examine, he said, referring to the hospital at Crame.

Beltran said rebellion charges should not have been filed, citing lack of evidence.

"This is a maneuvered, total fishing expedition. Its like roaming the Pacific Ocean to catch a fish. This is not allowed under the normal or ordinary course of seeking justice," he said.