Religious superiors easing security for Lozada

MANILA, Philippines – An official of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) yesterday said that they are slowly lowering the level of security for $329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) ZTE whistleblower Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr.

AMRSP co-chairperson Sister Mary John Mananzan said that Lozada would “soon be released from our sanctuary program (although) not completely. This would be done phase by phase, little by little, we are making plans. There would be phases so it would not be abrupt.”

At the moment, they maintain providing shelter and legal assistance to Lozada “but the shelter might end by semester break. But the others, such as the legal, we would continue to accompany him,” said Mananzan. She assured that if there would be court hearings, the AMRSP would still be there to help protect him.

When asked if she was pleased that Lozada would be returning to the private sector, the AMRSP official admitted that she had “mixed feelings” because she is aware that his life is still in danger.

Aside from the fact that he is the key witness in the million-dollar project, Lozada is also facing 16 harassment cases. She added that they have been providing security to Lozada for the last two years and eight months.

The AMRSP took him under its care after he allegedly accused former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. of involvement in the telecommunication deal with China.