NBI tightens security as Mancao joins 'high-risk' detainees

MANILA, Philippines - Security at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila has been tightened since former police senior superintendent Cezar Mancao II arrived in the agency’s detention center.

Mancao, set to testify before the Manila regional trial court in the double murder case of public relations man Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito, is the latest addition to the already “high-risk” prisoners being protected by the NBI.

The NBI has been securing “high-risk” prisoners, including a suspect in a double-murder case, a suspected terrorist and a suspected drug operator, at its compound in Manila.

Mohammad Hatta Haipe, one of the five alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members arrested in Malaysia, is also detained at the NBI.

“We are enforcing strict security measures, not only on Mancao but as well as other detainees here,” Lawyer Ruel Lasala, NBI’s Deputy Director for Intelligence Services, told reporters.

Mancao’s sleeping quarters is off limits not only to media and the public, but also to other NBI officials and employees.

So far, only close relatives and friends have visited Mancao since he arrived at the NBI last June 4.

Mancao’s wife, Maricar, who is set to arrive anytime, will be provided with security by the NBI if there is a request from Mancao’s family to secure her.

Lawyer Carolina Comon, clerk of court of Manila RTC Branch 18, said Mancao would be treated as an accused until he finally becomes a state witness.

 “The prosecution is now preparing to file a motion for the setting of (Mancao’s) arraignment,” Comon said.

Also at NBI

Meanwhile, sometime in November, 2006, NBI operatives arrested Amin Imam Boratong, 34, a native of Marawi City, and an alleged operator of the “shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) tiangge (market)” raided in Pasig City in February, 2006.

One of Boratong wives, Sheryll Molera, 22, was also at NBI “high-security” cell but was later released because no warrant of arrest was issued against her.

Lasala said although Boratong had undergone “cosmetic surgery” in Thailand, including a nose lift and alterations to the eyes, informers positively identified him.

Lawyer Roel Bolivar, chief of the NBI Reaction, Arrest and Interdiction Division (RAID), said they believed Buratong’s drug business had grown into a P900-million industry since he started in 1997.

He added that Boratong owns a 2,000-square-meter lot near Pasig City Hall, where the shabu tiangge was located.

The shabu tiangge was raided in February 2006 and Buratong was arrested several months later. – Sandy Araneta