Accuser of Subic district collector fears for his life

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Just a few days after the alleged bribery entrapment was successfully conducted by the elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which resulted in the arrest of a Subic district collector, the accuser, a German national now fears for his own life.

The complainant, identified as Reimer Wermer told The STAR in an exclusive interview, that suspicious looking men were seen several times roaming around his residence.

"I have a strong suspicion that my daily route particularly those places where I used to hang around is being monitored by somebody who wants to eliminate me," Wermer said.

He said that he would also formally ask the German Embassy to urge the Philippine government, particularly the NBI to provide protection for him and his family.

"I felt so frustrated because I do not expect to encounter this kind of bad business experience with high-ranking but corrupt Philippine government official," Wermer said.

Wermer has formally filed charges against powerful and influential Bureau of Customs District Collector Emelito Villaruz before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s office for violation of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

The NBI team arrested Villaruz inside the BOC office here after a bribery entrapment was conducted on April 30 at around 9:30 am. The special task force headed by lawyer Allan Contado released Villaruz after he posted an P80,000 bail.

In a sworn statement, Wermer said that a friend and a female NBI operative accompanied him when they proceeded inside the office of Villaruz.

"After a series of conversations, I handed to Villaruz the marked money amounting to P29,000 which is part of the huge "grease money" he demanded from me for the release of four units of used vehicles," Wermer said.

Wermer said that Villaruz demanded P237,000 for each of the four BMW cars for a total of P948,000 before those vehicles would be given clearance and allowed to be taken out of the Freeport zone.

Wermer added that when he handed the money, Villaruz immediately received it and placed it on his table as operatives of the NBI came and arrested the suspect.

Wermer also denied claims of Villaruz that the entrapment was a "frame-up," saying that, "why would I put myself into big trouble and even risk my life on this if I don’t feel aggravated by the situation."