Screen shot of a video circulated online.
MANILA, Philippines – The creator of the website metrobalita.net which has been included in the matrix allegedly involved in ousting President Rodrigo Duterte is ready to testify against those behind the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.
“Handa po akong maging State witness. Malinis po ang intensyon ko. Nakikipagtulungan po ako,” Rodel Jayme said at a press conference Friday.
(I am ready to be a State witness. My intention is clean. I am willing to cooperate.)
Jayme said he was told to go in hiding by the certain Mary Nguyen after after the government has launched an investigation to unmask the people behind the series of videos that implicated the immediate family of President Rodrigo Duterte in the illegal drugs trade.
“Kung gagawin ko yon, lalabas na guilty ako,” he said.
(If I do so [hide], I will appear guilty.)
He said he willingly came to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and surrendered his gadgets used to creating the website as well as his mobile phone.
“Nagtatrabaho lang po ako,” he said.
[I am only doing my job.]
He admitted being a supporter of the Liberal Party, whose members are currently highly critical of the Duterte administration.
After the elections, he said he disassociated himself from politics, ready to give the Duterte administration a chance.
Jayme is currently facing a complaint for inciting to sedition.
NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said Jayme’s participation in the videos would have to be evaluated.
“Kung hanggang dun lang sya sa paggawa ng website, upon due application [to the government’s Witness Protection Program] he could qualify as State witness,” Lavin said.
Republic Act No. 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program provides various forms of assistance-financial, security, safe houses to anyone who has information about a crime and is willing to testify, witness to a congressional inquiry upon recommendation of the legislative committee, a person who participated in committing a crime and accused discharged from a criminal case.
Currently, Jayme is at the NBI where he feels safe./ac