Veloso husband seeks NBI protection

MARY Jane Veloso’s husband on Wednesday sought the security assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation after several unidentified men were seen roaming around his residence in Nueva Ecija.

Lawyer Josa Deinla of the National Union of People’s Lawyers said Michael Candelaria decided to come to the NBI to seek temporary protection though she added he would not be staying at the bureau for long.

“He is only seeking temporary protective custody but Michael will shortly be turned over to an NGO which has offered him sanctuary, “Deinla said over the phone. She accompanied Candelaria to the NBI.

Deinla said there were two incidents that prompted Candelaria to seek government protection.

Last May 23 at 2 a.m., Deinla said neighbors saw two men in front of Candelaria’s house. One of the neighbors opened the window but the men pointed the flashlight at his face blinding him temporarily. Then the men left hurriedly on a motorcycle.

The next incident, Deinla said, happened Tuesday night when three men tried to enter Candelaria’s house.

“They immediately left when neighbors saw them,” she added.

Deinla said the incidents were different from the ones reported by Mary Jane’s sister, Darling.

“Iba pa ito sa insidenteng iniulat naman ng kapatid ni Mary Jane na naganap noong umaga ng May 24,” she said.

Darling earlier said the unidentified men who went to their residence even took pictures of their house.

After the incident, Candelaria sought the NBI-Cabanatuan’s help. The NBI-Cabanatuan, on the other hand asked him to come with them to NBI in Manila.

In Manila, Deinla said the NBI offered a shelter for Candelaria but he declined. He said a non-government organization has already agreed to provide him shelter.

Meanwhile, Atty. Edre Olalia clarified that Candelaria and the Veloso family have not yet accepted the government’s offer to place them under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

“WPP pag-usapan muna. Preferred ng family NGOs or church magbigay ng sanctuary sa kanila,” Olalia said in a text message.

Earlier, Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima tasked the NBI to investigate the alleged harassment of Veloso’s family and if needed, secure them from any threats.

De Lima said the NBI has already sent a team to check on the Velosos the other day.  AC