MANILA, Philippines – Citing security concerns, a jail official has asked a Quezon City court to move the hearings on the Batasan bombing case to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

In a letter to Judge Ralph Lee of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81, Supt. Dennis Rocamora of the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) said transporting the three “high risk” inmates to the Quezon City Hall of Justice every time there was a hearing in their case was a big security concern.

“I respectfully request that the venue of the hearings be moved from your regular courtroom to the courtroom inside Camp Bagong Diwa. This request is for the security of all concerned,” he added.

Ikram Indama, Caidar Aunal and Kusain Adham, who are facing charges of multiple murder for their alleged involvement in the 2007 explosion at the House of Representatives, are detained at the MMDJ.

Rocamora described the three in his letter as “extremely high risk inmates.”

“There is a strong possibility that they are affiliated with extremist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf, Moro Islamic Liberation Front or the Rajah Solaiman Islamic Movement,” he said.

He pointed out that transporting the three inmates was extremely risky because it could endanger other people’s lives should their cohorts attempt to free them.

Rocamora cited the case of several suspected ASG members whose trial at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court was moved to Camp Bagong Diwa.

“The reason why they (ASG) are being tried in the courtroom inside the camp is none other than security. It is very obvious that these inmates are extremely dangerous and deadly,” he explained.

The jail official also said they have received information that some of the accused’s cohorts were hatching a plan to let them escape.

“Most likely, the rescue will be executed outside the jail facility while in transit or during the court hearing. If this ever happens, human lives will surely be put at risk,” Rocamora added.

The bombing at the Batasan complex on Nov. 13, 2007 left six people dead, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar.