Witness in alleged maltreatment of maid survives shooting

MANILA, Philippines — The main witness to the alleged maltreatment of a domestic helper in Oriental Mindoro has allegedly survived an attempt to kill him.

Alias “Dodong,” had reportedly lived to tell a crime perpetrated against him by two unidentified men.

The incident transpired in Palauan, Occidental Mindoro at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

This account was told by Senator Francis Tolentino in a statement.

“Pinasok ng dalawang naka-bonnet ‘yung tinutuluyan ni alyas Dodong kagabi. Binaril at buhay siya,” said Tolentino.

(Two people wearing bonnets entered the place where alias Dodong was staying last night. He was shot and he is alive.)

The senator added Dodong is already safe and secure based on the report of Philippine National Police Regional Office Mimoropa Director General Joel Doria.

Tolentino expressed concern over the apparent attempt to murder the witness.

He emphasized that safety of witness is paramount in a quest for justice.

The senator sits as chairperson of Senate committee on justice and human rights,

In August, his panel began an investigation on the alleged severe maltreatment of Vergara by her former employers.

Vergara reportedly suffered from heavy battering.

She became blind as a result of the injuries inflicted on her.

Vergara was reportedly subjected to physical and emotional abuse for three years, or from 2020 to 2023.

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