NO FOREIGN VISITORS FOR LEILA

Is the Philippine National Police out to isolate detained Sen. Leila de Lima?

For the third time, authorities at the PNP Custodial Center have “refused to act” on the request of international guests to visit the senator, who has been detained since February on drug-related charges that she has described as “politically motivated.”

“There was no direct denial but we think it’s tactical; they refused to act on the request,” De Lima’s counsel, Alex Padilla, said in a press conference.

In a letter addressed to PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa dated Oct. 26, mem- bers of the European Parliament, who are also affiliated with the group Global Progressive Forum (GPF), requested to visit De Lima at the detention facility inside Camp Crame in Quezon City.

According to the letter, the Nov. 11 visit was intended for the GPF to “learn about the latest evolution in (De Lima’s) case and to express (their) support.”

Despite the 10-day notice prior to the intended visit, the list of visiting delegates, the short biographies of the three visitors, their passport details and itinerary—all part of the PNP’s requirements for foreign nationals wishing to visit De Lima—there was no response from the PNP, the senator’s staff, Fhillip Sawali, said.