The Department of Justice (DOJ) may include several individuals under the state’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) as part of ongoing investigations being handled by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, officials confirmed during Monday’s hearing.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III inquired about the status of personalities currently under Senate custody who have been admitted—or are in the process of being admitted—into the WPP, including Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, Gerard Opulencia, and Sally Santos.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony “Dong” Fadullon clarified that only Engineer Henry Alcantara, who is under Senate custody, has been admitted into the program so far.
Opulencia and Santos are not under Senate custody, he noted. Fadullon added that the DOJ would likely request the transfer of Alcantara into their protective custody to ensure his safety.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson supported the transfer, stating that it would help reduce the number of witnesses remaining under Senate supervision while also accommodating future hearings.
“Admit n’yo na rin sa program ‘yong iba para mabawasan kami rito. Assuming that they fully cooperate,” Lacson said.
Fadullon emphasized that the DOJ evaluates each applicant carefully, taking into account the materiality of their testimony, the ability to corroborate their statements, and whether they are the most culpable in the cases being investigated.
He also clarified that acceptance into the WPP is conditional, and witnesses may be removed from the program if they fail to fully cooperate.
Senator JV Ejercito further sought clarification on whether individuals with significant culpability could be admitted as state witnesses.
Fadullon replied that the program targets those whose testimony is crucial but who are not the most guilty, and that state witnesses are considered only when evidence gaps must be addressed to strengthen prosecution cases.
Lacson addressed witnesses Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and Curlee Discaya directly, who were also present during the Senate hearing, warning them that full cooperation is required for protection.
