Capitol gives aid to witnesses

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday turned over some cash assistance to four witnesses who have helped in the prosecution of criminal cases under the witness protection program of the Provincial Government.

The four checks worth P9,000 each were turned over to the witness protection committee of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Criminality Task Force, witnessed by Police Regional Office 7 Director Chief Supt. Ager Ontog, Jr.

The committee will give the cash assistance to the witnesses.

Though he did not disclose the identity of the witnesses and which particular case, Ontog told reporters that they are witnesses of three cases of murder and attempted murder.

Ontog said there are a lot more coming, including cases of trafficking of women.

Garcia hopes the reward could encourage other witnesses to testify to boost the drive against criminalities.

Ontog, on the other hand, hopes the reward could encourage witnesses to come out and help law enforcement agencies in solving crimes.

All law enforcement units are members of the task force created by Garcia aimed to focus on heinous crimes.

The programs of the task force include giving of financial assistance to witnesses who can give information and testify in court, and provide police security if needed and temporary shelter if a witness’ life is under threat.

But lawyer Rose Arnado of the Provincial Legal Office stressed that the task force withdraws the assistance if the Department of Justice takes over through its own witness protection program.

Arnado said the assistance from the task force is the fastest a witness could avail of, with its more simplified requirements. (FREEMAN)