MANILA, Philippines - A lawyer representing Janelle Manahan went to the Department of Justice yesterday and asked that his client be included in the DOJ’s witness protection program.
Restituto Mendoza said Manahan – who survived an attack in which her boyfriend, actor Ram Revilla (real name Ramgen Jose Bautista) was killed on Oct. 28 – has received threats through social networking sites and text messages. He also said his client still fears for her life because one of the suspects, Ryan Pastera, remains at large.
“She is making sure that no harm will come to her or her family,” Mendoza said, adding that Manahan will reveal what she knows about the “family feud angle, money angle, and the defense of Ramona (Bautista),” one of Ramgen’s siblings and one of the alleged masterminds of the attack.
He said they need to file Manahan’s affidavit before city Prosecutor Leah Roma so she could give her recommendation for the actress’ inclusion in the program.
Manahan, who was recently discharged from the hospital after being shot in the face, will attend tomorrow afternoon’s preliminary investigation hearing into Ramgen’s murder at the Parañaque prosecutor’s office.
While waiting for the approval of her application, Mendoza said they will ask the Parañaque City police to extend the effectivity of their police protection, which he said was just temporary.
They will also file next week a request before the Department of Foreign Affairs to revoke the passport of Ramona, who was last traced by authorities in Turkey.