Prosecution opposes transfer of Dumpit's case to Makati

CEBU, Philippines - The prosecution in the criminal complaint against controversial policeman SPO1 Adonis Dumpit has formally lodged its opposition to the planned transfer of the case hearing to Makati City.

Lawyer Rizalina Zozobrado, who also acts as private prosecutor and counsel for Janeth Badana, mother of the suspected robber who was allegedly shot and killed by Dumpit, has submitted a manifestation before Regional Trial Court Branch 6 yesterday to manifest their opposition to the move.

Zozobrado said that they are fully aware of the risks of the case and that they have already “embraced the risks and threat that comes together with it.”

Citing the “threats” against the lives of vital witnesses and the complainant, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera has requested Chief Justice Reynato Puno to transfer the venue of Dumpit’s case to Makati City.

Devanadera said the transfer of the case will also help “forestall a miscarriage of justice.”

 Zozobrado, in their manifestation, said that they are grateful about the assistance given to them by the DOJ in protecting their witnesses, but said the complainant and the witnesses are strongly opposing the proposed transfer of case venue.

Nevertheless, she said that they are “fully aware of the threat and risk” involved in the case.

 “We do not desire anything but be able to testify and tell the truth regarding the incident in this case in an impartial and fair trial which we believe could be done here in Cebu City.”

 Zozobrado warned that if the DOJ insists on pursuing the change of the case venue, the witnesses of the case will voluntarily withdraw and renounce from the witness protection program of the justice department.

 “We do not desire anything but to be able to testify and tell the truth regarding the incident in this case in an impartial and in a fair trial,” said Zozobrado.

 Earlier, the defense also expressed opposition to the proposed change venue of the case. Lawyer Pedro Leslie Salva, Dumpit’s counsel, said the planned transfer of the case venue lacks “factual and legal” basis.

“Transferring the venue of the case would tantamount to admitting that the judicial system in our region could not dispense justice,” Salva said.

 Dumpit, who recently surrendered to authorities after several weeks in hiding, was charged with murder for the killing robbery suspect Ron-Ron Go in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City in 2004.— Jasmin U. Labaco/WAB    (FREEMAN NEWS)