Witness clears P’sinan gov, lawmaker in mayor’s slay

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – An alleged witness who implicated Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Rep. Jesus Celeste in the killing of a town mayor has reportedly recanted his statement.

The 16-year-old boy, whose name was withheld, told journalists that his conscience bothered him prompting him to “escape” Camp Crame where he was held in custody under the Witness Protection Program.

“I went to Pangasinan to clear the name of the governor and the congressman as they have no fault and I was only used against them. My statement was false,” the boy said in Filipino.

The boy said he went to Pangasinan on Nov. 24 to seek Espino’s and Celeste’s forgiveness.

The boy earlier alleged that Espino and Celeste masterminded the killing of Infanta town mayor Ruperto Martinez in December last year.

The murder reportedly stemmed from Martinez’ discovery of the alleged illegal smuggling of minerals at the Infanta pier.

But yesterday, the boy alleged he was only forced to testify against Espino and Celeste.

He identified a certain lawyer, Bodie Pulido, as the one who allegedly prepared his testimony. He said a defeated mayoraly bet in Alcala town whom he identified as Manuel Tolentino allegedly brought him to Pulido.

The boy said he wanted to help Tolentino whom he pitied as his father had allegedly filed a rape case against the man, which he said was not true.

According to him, it was Tolentino who allegedly brought him to then Alaminos City mayor Hernani Braganza,  who lost in the gubernatorial race against Espino.

Pulido lost to Celeste in the May 2013 congressional race.

The boy alleged that provincial police director Senior Superintendent Marlou Chan was with them when he was brought to Manila in December to file the murder case against Espino and Celeste.

The STAR tried but failed to reach Braganza, Pulido and Tolentino for comments as of press time.  

Chan said he would have to think over what the boy said before he would issue his statement.

In the same press conference at a hotel here, the boy asked the family of the slain mayor to forgive him for the false testimony.

Cristina, widow of the slain mayor, and her son Vice Mayor Richard Martinez, said they believe the boy’s story as they expressed hope that the real killers would be prosecuted.

The boy is now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.