Dumlao to be arraigned for murder

MANILA, Philippines - Former police superintendent Glenn Dumlao will be arraigned for the murders nine years ago of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito before the Manila Regional Trial Court today, according to the National Bureau of Investigation.

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said yesterday the Department of Justice would have to decide if Dumlao could be placed under the Witness Protection Program.

“Dumlao is not yet covered by the Witness Protection Program,” he said.

“His testimony will be evaluated by the Department of Justice before he could be admitted to the WPP.”

However, Mantaring said since Dumlao is no longer a police officer, he is qualified to be a state witness.

“This means that he could also be admitted to the Witness Protection Program,” he said. “You could not be admitted to the program if you are an active police officer.

“He’s no longer a police officer. I think he could be admitted to the Witness protection Program.”

Mantaring said since Dumlao arrived home last Sunday, he has been in NBI custody, but he refused to reveal his exact location.

“We are providing him security,” he said.

Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor believes that Dumlao is a credible witness despite his three affidavits.

“There may be changes in his earlier affidavits, but there are other ways of establishing credibility of his testimony,” he said.

Blancaflor said investigating prosecutors can analyze if the reasons for Dumlao’s recantation were sound.

“We will examine his explanations,” he said. “We will also judge his actuations.”

Blancaflor said Dumlao, whom prosecutors are eyeing as a state witness, will explain why executed three affidavits.

“When we talked briefly, he said he would bring up other things (apart from those in his first affidavit),” he said.

“I can’t be categorical at this point, but my impression was he would give additional details in the case that probably might include the mastermind (in the killing).”

Blancaflor said Dumlao’s impending testimony would be crucial in resolving the Dacer-Corbito murders.     – With Edu Punay