Lawyer eyes witness protection for detained Madriaga over security threats

The counsel of detained Ramil Madriaga is seriously considering applying for the Witness Protection Program (WPP), citing security concerns that allegedly stem from inside the detention facility.

Atty. Raymund Palad of the Palad, Lauron, Palad and Te (PLPT) Law Office said the perceived threats emerged after his client’s affidavit surfaced.

“I don’t want to mention personality, but when the affidavit of my client emerged, sobrang pag-iingat kasi ‘yung threat nasa loob,” Palad said. “Maraming detention prisoner diyan na handang manakit o pumatay sa kalahating milyon o limang milyong piso.”

Palad said the threats are being taken seriously. “So hindi natin binabalewala ‘yung threat na ’yun,” he said, adding that they have sought the assistance of jail officials to ensure Madriaga’s safety.

He said the situation has also taken a toll on Madriaga’s family.

“Imagine in the case of Ramil Madriaga, ‘yung pamilya niya nagtatago, hirap, affected ‘yung pag-aaral ng mga anak niya,” Palad said.

The lawyer explained that under court policy, detainees with pending cases are confined at facilities under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

“You cannot request special treatment to Camp Crame or NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) kahit na sabihin mo may threat sa buhay mo,” Palad said.

He noted that a detainee may only be transferred under limited circumstances.

“So the only way na malilipat ka ng detention is, number one, kung magkakaroon ng Quad Comm, puwede kang kunin ng Quad Comm… or kung magka-qualify ka sa witness protection program,” Palad said.

Palad stressed that applying for the WPP does not mean withdrawing any affidavit or complaint.

“Hindi kapalit ‘yung pag-urong ng demanda. Ililipat ka lang para ma-secure ‘yung safety mo while awaiting ng trial sa affidavit mo,” he said.

House Deputy Majority Leader Gil “Kabarangay Jr.” Acosta earlier said the House would first conduct a thorough reading and evaluation of Madriaga’s affidavit. Acosta and Palad were guests at the Saturday Media Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

Palad said Madriaga is prepared to face impeachment proceedings and to appear before Congress if summoned.

He added that Madriaga’s participation was largely limited to picking up and delivering money.

“Pag sinabi sa kanyang pumunta sa ganitong lugar, tinatawagan siya, kukuha siya ng pera,” Palad said.

Asked whether his client only collected or also delivered funds, Palad said it involved both.

“Parehas,” he said. “Kukuha siya ng pera sa isang POGO location at kung saan dadalhin, ida-drop niya ‘yung pera.”

Palad stressed that his client’s statements are limited to what he personally witnessed and participated in, based on direct instructions and locations visited, and not on speculation or secondhand information.

He also disputed claims that Madriaga had accumulated wealth.

“Yung mga motor, hindi ko nakikita ‘yung rangya ng buhay. Never po,” Palad said, adding that some items attributed to Madriaga were merely given to him.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte faced two impeachment complaints last Monday, with critics citing allegations made by Madriaga. The complaints refer to Madriaga’s claim that he allegedly transported large sums of money to several individuals upon instruction of the country’s second-highest official.