Sandra Cam blames De Lima for killing of whistleblower

MANILA, Philippines — Former jueteng whistleblower Sandra Cam on Sunday blamed Sen. Leila De Lima for the the killing of a fellow whistleblower who exposed irregularities at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Kabungsuan Makilala, 59, prison guard 3 (PG3) of the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL), was gunned down by an unidentified assailant on Saturday morning in Carmen, Davao del Norte. Southern Mindanao regional police spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna said the motive of the gunman has not yet been determined.

In 2012, Makilala exposed the alleged corruption and irregularities at the BuCor including the issue of food distribution. He previously sought entry into the Witness Protection Program (WPP) of the Department of Justice after receiving threats when he exposed irregularities at the national penitentiary. 

Cam said she introduced Makilala to then Justice secretary and now Sen. De Lima. She blamed the senator for what happened to Makilala claiming that the senator removed the victim from the WPP and transferred him to DAPECOL in 2013.

She said Makilala’s removal from the WPP was the start of her fight with De Lima.

“Doon sa pag-iimbestiga lumabas na positive lahat [mga ibinunyag ni Makilala]. Sabi niya sa akin [De Lima] wala pa pero hindi niya alam may nagbigay sa akin from her own team ng copy of the findings. Sabi niya sa akin (De Lima) fake 'yan, fake,” Cam narrated.

“Noong nalaman niyang (De Lima) totoo lahat ng sinasabi ni Makilala, ipinatapon niya sa Davao Penal Colony. Pinagtrabaho niya, nai-stress araw-araw death threat ang natatanggap niya (Makilala),” she added.

According to Cam, her last conversation with Makilala was on January 21, when the latter said he feared for his life. Makilala allegedly said he was previously offered P200,000 for him to stop talking.

Aside from De Lima, Cam suspects the following personalities to also have a motive for the killing of Makilala: retired Lieutenant General Gaudencio Pangilinan, New Bilibid Prison Superintendent Richard Schwarzkopf Jr., former BuCor chief Rafael Ragos and the owner of “Kiko Catering.”

“Iyan lang wala ng iba kasi wala namang bisyo yung tao [Makilala], wala namang kaaway,” Cam said.

“Ito ngayon hindi nila napatay si Jaybee (Sebastian) gusto nilang isampal sa grupo namin na gusto nilang takutin kami na huwag ng magsalita pero nagkakamali sila. The more na ginaganon nila kami, the more na lalabanan ko kayo. Dapat malaman din na ang pagkukulang ni De Lima bilang Secretary of Justice na talagang binaboy nila itong taong ito (Makilala),” she added.

Cam said she will call for a Senate probe into the killing of Makilala.

“I will ask for a Senate inquiry on this [pagpatay kay Kabungsuan Makilala] because this is high profile,” Cam said in a radio interview.

Last year, Cam ran for Senate with a vow to push for the “Whistleblowers Act.” She said there is not enough protection for her fellow whistleblowers.

RELATED: Bureau of Corrections whistle-blower shot dead | BuCor chief orders probe into killing of whistleblower