Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. placed himself under police custody on Monday night after learning that the anti-graft court had ordered his arrest in connection with the alleged flood control fund irregularities.
In a video message posted on Facebook earlier in the evening, Revilla said he had been informed that a warrant had been issued against him. “Nakakalungkot po, parang wala yatang due process. Pero ganon pa man, haharapin ko ito nang walang takot at alam kong hindi ako pababayaan ng Foyos dahil wala po akong kasalanan dito,” he said. He also appealed for prayers for his family, adding, “Hilingin ko lang… hihingi ako ng panalangin at patatagin niyo rin po ang aking pamilya. Hindi ko po maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko sa totoo lang, napakasakit po para sa akin at para sa aking pamilya.”
Police later confirmed that Revilla arrived at Camp Crame accompanied by his wife and children, where the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group was called in to formally serve the warrant. The Philippine National Police said Revilla was informed of the cause of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights upon implementation of the order.
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, director of the CIDG, confirmed through a text message to reporters that Revilla was already under the group’s custody late Monday night. The police added that he was subjected to standard booking, documentation, and medical procedures in line with established protocols.
The warrant of arrest and a hold departure order were issued on Monday by the Sandiganbayan Third Division against Revilla and other individuals named in the case.
