DOJ: Massacre suspect may be killed in Bicutan

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) has supported the request of a suspect in the Maguindanao massacre to remain in Camp Crame as he may be threatened or “even killed” if he is detained with the rest of the accused in Bicutan, Taguig City.

In a nine-page motion to retain custody, Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program director Martin Meñez said suspect Takpan Dilon must be allowed to remain at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center as he is under the witness protection program (WPP).

“Dilon was admitted to the WPP because of his personal knowledge on the commission of the Maguindanao massacre where he implicated powerful and influential personalities,” he said in the motion filed last week.

“It is, therefore, not remote, and is in fact likely, that Dilon will be threatened, harassed, intimidated, or even killed, if he is exposed to the other accused whom he will likely implicate,” Meñez added.

He said the suspect expressed his desire to become a state witness and was seriously considered by the government to be among its state witnesses.

Last year, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes ordered the transfer of Dilon and another suspect – Police Officer 1 Pia Kamidon – to Camp Bagong Diwa as the possibility of them being used as state witnesses was nil.

Kamidon has since been transferred to the detention facility, where most of the accused are currently detained.

The prosecution panel, meanwhile, has yet to state its position on whether or not it will use Dilon as a state witness.

But in his motion, Meñez said that it is not necessary for Dilon to testify or be used as state witness for the other accused to develop and harbor ill feelings toward him.

“The fact that the chances of using Dilon as a state witness now appears to be nil should not prejudice the security and safety of Dilon. That the prosecutors may change their mind should not be taken against Dilon,” added the motion.

It was reported that Dilon personally appealed to the court – through a two-page urgent motion – that he be allowed to stay in Camp Crame.

“Accused would like to emphasize that the purpose of confining the accused in jail before conviction is to ensure his presence at the trial and to serve the penalty imposed upon him if convicted,” read the motion.

“The detention of herein accused at the Custodial Center serves such purpose, without endangering his safety,” it added.

Dilon also noted that he is a relative of Esmael Canapia, a suspect who was earlier allowed by Solis-Reyes to become a state witness.

The court is set to hear the motions tomorrow.