Witness in helper’s abuse case survives ‘ambush’

The primary witness to the alleged maltreatment of helper Elvie Vergara in Oriental Mindoro has survived an alleged killing attempt, according to Senator Francis Tolentino on Wednesday.

The senator narrated that the witness, identified only as alias "Dodong," was reportedly attacked by two unidentified gunmen, wearing bonnets.

Tolentino said the suspects forcibly entered Dodong's residence in Paluan around 9 p.m. on Tuesday and based on the police report, the unidentified suspects fired shots at the victim's house.

He said Dodong was left unharmed after the shooting incident.

The senator chairs the Senate panel in charge of investigating Vergara's maltreatment case. He then expressed concern over the apparent attempt to murder the witness.

Meanwhile, Tolentino also disclosed that armed men allegedly visited Vergara's residence in Batangas City on early Wednesday, which prompted him to coordinate with Police Regional Director Gen. Joel Doria to secure the safety of Vergara and the witness, noting that it is paramount in the quest for justice in the helper's case.

In August, the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights began conducting a probe on the alleged severe maltreatment of Vergara by her former employers in Occidental Mindoro from 2020 to 2023.

Vergara reportedly experienced physical, verbal and emotional abuse that also led to her blindness as a result of heavy injuries.

In a press briefing, Tolentino said Dodong, who is set to witness in the next committee hearing, is already safe and now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police in Calapan, Mindoro Oriental.

"Elvie herself was allegedly attacked by unarmed men but it is not yet verified," said Tolentino, adding that he will recommend Vergara to be included in the witness protection program of the Department of Justice as authorities noticed that armed men steadily roamed around the helper's house.

Also, the senator disclosed that another witness to Vergara's case has come out.

"We have another witness. We will try to protect this person. I cannot disclose more details but this witness is not just a witness to Elvie's sufferings from maltreatment with her former employers, he also experienced maltreatment from them," Tolentino said.