Accused in Vhong mauling wants to turn state witness

MANILA, Philippines — One of the seven accused in the grave coercion and serious illegal detention case linked to the mauling of television host Vhong Navarro is seeking to become a state witness, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

De Lima said that the respondent, whom she refuses to name due to security reasons, will reveal details of businessman Cedric Lee's so-called "Oplan Bugbog" allegedly to trap and assault Navarro.

She said that the court is still processing the respondent's application to become state witness in exchange for immunity from the charges..

Besides Lee and Cornejo, those tagged in the cases are Bernice Cua Lee, Simeon Raz, Jose Paolo Gregorio Calma, Ferdinand Guerrero and Sajed Fernandez Abuhijleh alias "Jed Fernandez."

Read: No bail: 2nd arrest warrant out vs. Cedric Lee, 4 others

The Taguig Regional Trial Court has issued a warrant of arrest against the respondents, except for Cedric's sister Bernice and Calma. Southern Police District received the warrant on Monday. - Camille Diola