DOJ: US court will hear Strunk’s bail petition

The United States court will hear on May 21 the bail petition of Rod "Lawrence" Strunk, who claims that he is afflicted with diabetes and should be allowed to stay in a medical facility, the Department of Justice said yesterday. But despite his illness, the DOJ expressed confidence that Strunk will not be granted bail by the US court and will eventually be extradited to the Philippines to face charges for the alleged murder of his wife, veteran actress Nida Blanca.

DOJ Undersecretary Merceditas Gutierrez said Strunk’s lawyer, Jeffrey Kravitz was using his client’s ailment to get him out of the Orange County Jail in California, where he is being held. Strunk was provisionally arrested on May 13 in Sacramento in the eastern part of California upon the DOJ’s request. Gutierrez admitted she is not aware of the US court’s requirements in granting a detainee’s request to be placed in a medical facility, to ensure treatment for his ailment. But she said those under provisional arrest are usually denied bail and allowed transfer to another institution, even if it is well-secured.

"Of course we will oppose, through the prosecutors in charge in the US because we are always against granting of bail for people supposed to be extradited," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez clarified that the US court in California has yet to hear the country’s petition for the extradition of Strunk, which has a provision for grant of bail for special or compelling humanitarian considerations, such as one’s health condition.

The DOJ official said Assistant US District Attorney Ken Melikian, who is representing the Philippines, will file the petition to counter Strunk’s petition for bail. But should the court allow Strunk to be transferred to a medical facility, Gutierrez said the DOJ will no longer oppose as long as he will be under tight security.

The DOJ has yet to submit its extradition request but Gutierrez assured it will be completed in two to three weeks.