De Lima held hostage in Camp Crame

Former senator Leila de Lima was held hostage in her detention cell at Camp Crame on Sunday morning by an inmate linked to Islamist terrorist groups.

De Lima, who has been detained since 2017 on drug-related charges, described the incident as a 'near-death experience'.

The hostage-taker threatened to kill De Lima after his two companions were killed during their escape attempt.

De Lima is experiencing some pain and distress where she was held at knifepoint but is otherwise safe.

Opposition groups have called for her immediate release, citing the security lapse and dubious charges against her.