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Tight security readied for Mancao’s arraignment

By Pat C. Santos

06/17/2009

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday said security had been tightened for former police Col. Cezar Mancao II who is expected to attend his arraignment today at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

Mancao who was accused in the murder of publicist Salavador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000, was expected to appear before the Manila RTC Branch 18 at 10:30 a.m. today for his arraignment.

The NBI also revealed it would secure Maricar, wife of Mancao, and their four children who will also arrive today in the country from Los Angeles on board Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight 103.

Lawyer Ric Diaz, chief of the NBI-Anti-Terrorism Division and the concurrent NBI spokesman, said several operatives were tasked to fetch Maricar and the children.

However, Diaz said it was not clear if the Mancao family will be secured by the NBI during their stay in the country as the family was not asking the bureau to secure them.

“No request was made from Maricar to provide them security, but just the same, I would send operatives to fetch her and her family and the lawyer of Mancao. From the airport, Maricar and the children will go directly to NBI to visit Mancao so madali na ang pagpunta nila rito. Kasi alam mo naman maximum security tayo kay Mancao,” Diaz told reporters.

Diaz also assured the public of the safety of Mancao during his arraignment today.

On the other hand, Diaz refused to comment on the motion filed by the defense lawyer for three other accused in the case seeking the transfer of Mancao to Manila City Jail (MCJ) from his detention at the NBI.

“We can’t discuss the merit of the motion. It’s up to the court and the NBI job is to secure Mancao only,” Diaz explained.

Earlier, lawyer Dante David had filed a motion before the sala of Judge Myra Garcia-Fernandez of the Manila RTC Branch 18 to require the commitment of Mancao at the MCJ and “to consider him like any ordinary detainee.”