Estrada Taken Into Custody in Philippines

Philippine police took former President Joseph Estrada into custody today, witnesses said, hours after a court ordered the arrest of the fallen leader on a charge of economic plunder, which can carry the death penalty.

Estrada was seen walking out of his residence and getting into a dark van that was guarded by soldiers with rifles.

Police arrested Estrada after dispersing hundreds of supporters who had formed a human barricade outside his home in a posh Manila neighborhood. They had vowed to defend the former president with their lives or go with him to jail if police tried to take him.

“We will not even allow him to surrender. We are ready to die for him,” said Jojo Ibay, a 38-year-old supporter who had been outside Estrada’s house for three days.

Under the brutal midday sun, police were forced to climb over the Estrada compound’s fence to unlock the gate so they could deliver the warrant.

The charge of plunder is a non-bailable offense, which means Estrada will automatically be placed in detention while awaiting trial, court officials said.

The charge is one of eight allegations filed against Estrada, who left the presidency Jan. 20 amid mass street protests against him after a six-week impeachment trial stalled.