Complainant vs PNP chief eyes SC help

MANILA, Philippines - The businessman who filed a P100-million plunder case against Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima last month is contemplating running to the Supreme Court for protection.

Glenn Gerard Ricafranca is planning to file a petition for the issuance of a writ of amparo and a protection order, according to his lawyer, Beulah Coeli Fiel.

Ricafranca earlier said some members of the Albay provincial police have reportedly been visiting his inn and frightening his employees.

Fiel said they are coordinating with witnesses who could testify to the incidents of harassment.

She explained that a writ of amparo is a legal remedy available to anyone who is being harassed as it is defined as “a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.”

Ricafranca said he believes the harassment is connected to the plunder case he filed against Purisima and PNP Firearms and Explosives Office head Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles last April 16 for their alleged involvement in a supposedly questionable deal with a private courier service company, WerFast Documentary Agency, three years ago.