Massacre suspect fears for life, wants to stay at Crame

MANILA, Philippines - A potentian state witness in the Maguindanao massacre has asked the court handling the multiple murder case to allow him to remain in the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame as he fears for his life.

In a two-page urgent motion, Takpan Dilon asked Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to reverse her earlier decision ordering his transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, where most of the other defendants are detained.

“Accused begs indulgence of the honorable court as he moves for his continued detention at Crame since he fears for his security,” read the motion.

Dilon said his fears were due to the fact that the prosecution panel intends to use him as a state witness against the other accused.

“Accused would like to emphasize that the purpose of confining the accused in jail before conviction is to ensure his presence at the trial and to serve the penalty imposed upon him if convicted,” read the motion.

“The detention of herein accused at the Custodial Center serves such purpose, without endangering his safety,” it added.

Dilon had pleaded not guilty to murder charges filed against him.

Solis-Reyes had ordered the transfer of Dilon and another suspect – PO1 Pia Kamidon – from the PNP Custodial Center to Camp Bagong Diwa.

Kamidon, despite his appeal, was moved to the detention facility in Taguig City last month.

The two were among the 110 suspects arrested by the police in connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre.