Tighter security up as jail guards foil Poblacion 'rescue'
Security has been tightened anew with more precautions set to prevent any escape or planned "rescue" on Jonathan Poblacion, principal suspect in the celebrated Jefferson Tan Kidnapping For Ransom (KFR) case.
From double security escorts, Poblacion now enjoys triple 'bodyguards' excluding the convoy of more jail guards, all heavily-armed every time he is set to appear for the KFR hearings at the Ramon Avanceña Hall of Justice here.
An inmate of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC), increase in security personnel was reached following the validation made by IRC warden Juan Mabugat on the reports that a "serious and solid" plan was underway for Poblacion to bolt out of jail.
In an interview, Mabugat told The News Today (TNT) it was back in March still when the initial information was relayed by intelligence sources.
The 'rescue plot' as designed, will not be implemented with Poblacion while inside IRC detention but reportedly, along the way to the city for his hearings. Another alleged option was for the plotters to seize Poblacion inside the Hall of Justice.
In one Court Hearing last March, Mabugat confirmed of a 'close call' where his team of IRC security reported of suspicious men on board at least two motorcycles. Poblacion and his seven other co-accused were then diverted to a different exit as the convoy of IRC vans chose another route back to the center in Brgy. Nanga, Pototan.
Asked of any unusual visitors since the purported 'rescue' came to view, the Warden said none has been observed.
Poblacion's regular visitor remains to be his wife and at that time his group was involved in the riot, his counsel lawyer Robert Parcon.
Is Poblacion capable still of outside influence in his supposed alliance with the activities of the dreaded "Ilonggo Group" and "Pototan Boys?" For retired Police Senior Supt. Mabugat, the answer is "yes." Such though will remain "all talk" as he vowed to keep Poblacion in jail until the Court says otherwise.
"They (Poblacion and co-Tan accused) are all living 'normal' lives here but we are giving them special attention in terms of security. So far, all is okay," he ended.
The Poblacion 'rescue' was linked to recent police reports of the presence of members of a crime group linked to him. He was also tagged as main target of associates who are bent on freeing him from jail.
Efforts to reach Poblacion's counsel for comment failed. However, lawyer Edeljulio Romero, one of Defense lawyers who represents another accused, Ernie Del Castillo said the reports are all unfounded.
"There is no reason to escape nor target the Judge. We know him to be a fair Judge and our defense are all going well," Romero said.