Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it has fully complied with all Sandiganbayan directives on the custody and medical monitoring of detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta as it emphasized its commitment to the impartial enforcement of court orders. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the organization remains committed to carrying out every lawful directive issued by the court while ensuring the security and welfare of persons under its custody.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP, through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), has submitted Marcoleta's medical report to the Sandiganbayan Third Division on July 8, and returned the warrant of arrest on July 6 together with the senator's mugshots, fingerprints, and certificate of detention. Marcoleta remains confined at the PNP General Hospital (PNPGH) after experiencing chest pains and high blood pressure following his arrest on plunder charges involving alleged undeclared campaign donations amounting to PHP75 million. The Sandiganbayan has placed the senator under the custody of the CIDG while he undergoes medical evaluation. Nartatez stressed that the PNP applies the law equally to every person under its custody regardless of status.

In a press briefing held in Camp Crame also on Friday, CIDG-National Capital Region (NCR) chief Col. John Guiagui said they will impose stricter visitation restrictions on individuals who wish to visit Marcoleta at PNPGH following Sandiganbayan's directive. Guiagui said stricter measures are needed to protect the health of Marcoleta, who has mild pneumonia.

"A while ago, we were one of those summoned to sit in the 3rd Division of the Sandiganbayan to clarify the issues regarding Sen. Marcoleta. Actually, I am going back to confront you, I was called back again because of certain issues that a judge there in the 3rd Division asked our PNPGH people, which is why they allow visitors despite the conditions that the doctors at the PNPGH say he has pneumonia," he told reporters. Guiagui noted that Marcoleta requested the CIDG to allow only Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Robin Padilla, aside from his lawyers, to visit him. He also said it is up to the PNPGH doctors to decide when Marcoleta could be transferred for jail detention.