De Lima sa likod sa pag banta sa buhay ni Jaybee Sebastian?

Is Sen. Leila de Lima behind the threats on the life of convict Jaybee Sebastian?

Ang high-profile inmate na si Jaybee Sebastian ay inilipat sa National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Martes ng gabi, ika-27 ng Disyembre, dahil sa umano’y banta sa kanyang buhay sa loob ng New Bilibid Prison.

Ang paglilipat ay kinumpirma ni Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre noong Miyerkules, ika-28 ng Disyembre. Hindi nagbigay ang kalihim ng detalye tungkol sa banta sa buhay ni Sebastian, subalit nag-utos na raw siya ng isang imbestigasyon upang kilalanin ang mga nasa likod nito.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said yesterday, however, that this is just among a number of angles probers are looking into.

"Based on initial information, the threats appear to have something to do with De Lima," Aguirre said in an interview.

But the Department of Justice (DOJ) chief did not give more details, purportedly to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing probe.

"Perhaps it's better not to name names yet because it might aggravate the situation," Aguirre said. "But we already have names."

In a supposed riot last Sept. 28, when he was set to testify against De Lima at the Congress' inquiry into the alleged drugs trade at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Sebastian sustained stab wounds in the chest, back and arm.

"Jaybee considers other inmates there at Building 14 as his enemies. His cell is only separated by grills from them," Aguirre explained.

Aguirre said Sebastian's wife and lawyers were requesting for his transfer to another facility because of his regular asthma attacks at the NBP.

Aguirre said the DOJ would pursue its campaign against crime, illegal drugs and corruption this year.

"We will pursue our reform-oriented initiatives in the DOJ with determination and we will serve the people with newfound dedication and vigor," he said in his New Year message.

Aguirre also assured the public of a zero-tolerance policy for corrupt employees in his department and its attached agencies.

"To all the employees and officials of all the agencies and bureaus of the DOJ family, I reiterate my invitation to all of you to join us in all our efforts to realize a corruption-free DOJ," he said.