Dizon wife gets threats, seeks police assistance

Police yesterday stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of Amelina Dizon who sought assistance from Homicide Section after receiving death threats over the case of the murder of her husband, photojournalist Allan Dizon.

Amelina revealed that on September 7, 8, and 12, an unidentified man called her saying "Isog gyud ka. Dili gyud ka mosibog, basin dili ka kaabot og death anniversary (of Dizon)." Dizon was killed on November 27, 2004.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional chief Oscar Catalan ordered intelligence chief Rex Derilo to look into the matter, saying the threats should be taken seriously because they might be related to Dizon's murder.

City police director Melvin Gayotin also ordered Homicide Section chief Mario Monilar to coordinate with the CIDG to extend assistance to Dizon's widow.

But Gayotin said the Homicide Section would also conduct its own investigation into the matter because he does not see any reason why Amelina should be targeted.

"Usually a threat is directed more to vital witnesses," Gayotin pointed out, as Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch chief Paul Labra is also considering to provide Amelina security personnel for her protection.

Amelina admitted she has been receiving death threats since the start of trial of the case. She said the threats stopped for two months, but came again recently - the last was the one she received on Monday.

"Mahadlok na ko modala sa ako anak," she said of the threats she has been receiving.

Farah Gloria Labiste of the Crusade Against Violence said they are helping Amelina to get bodyguards to ensure her safety. - Ryan P. Borinaga and Liv G. Campo