Cebu City lawyers group backs Bacolod siblings

A LAWYERS group in Cebu City will ask the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reconsider its decision of dropping the three Bacolod siblings and two other witnesses in the Ecleo parricide case from the government’s witness protection program.

Lawyer Earl Bonachita, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter, said the organization will  request  Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to reconsider its decision.

“We will certainly support these people (three Bacolod siblings and two prosecution witnesses). I hope the DOJ will listen to our recommendations,” Bonachita told Cebu Daily News.

The DOJ through the Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP)  decided to let go of siblings Angelito, Ricky, and Clea Bacolod as well as prosecution witnesses Ma. Ricarda Bacolod and Gloria Navaja effective June 1, since their testimonies in court were completed.

The five witnesses have finished their testimonies against cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr. who is facing parricide charges for the death of his wife Alona in their residence in barangay   Guadalupe on Jan. 5, 2002.

Bonachita said the IBP board will meet soon to  discuss drafting a  resolution based on the recommendations of prosecution lawyers.

“Justice Secretary De Lima terminated their stay with the DOJ since the threats against them have allegedly dwindled. However, prosecution lawyers feel otherwise,” Bonahicta said.

Bonachita, who was elected IBP Cebu City president last February, said he is optimistic that De Lima will reconsider her position.

Of the surviving siblings, only Josebil Bacolod will  remain under DOJ  custody.  He  is being used  as the prosecution’s rebuttal witness./REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL