Matobato seeks protective custody from religious groups

Edgar Matobato. Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office

The camp of confessed hitman Edgar Matobato is negotiating with some religious groups which could provide sanctuary to the Senate witness while he is on temporary liberty, Matobato’s counsel said on Friday.

Lawyer Jude Josue Sabio, Matobato’s counsel, said they are in talks with some religious groups  willing to temporarily take over  custody of Matobato, who is currently being protected by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

READ: Matobato freed from detention

Sabio, in a phone interview, also said they will file a petition asking the Supreme Court to transfer the arraignment of Matobato’s case from Davao City to Metro Manila for the witness’ safety.

A court in Davao City issued the arrest warrant against Matobato in an illegal possession of firearms case filed in 2014 when he was caught carrying a .45-cal. pistol without a license.

In June 2014, he posted bail but  was rearrested for failing to show up for his arraignment on Tuesday last week.

Sabio said the Davao City court initially set  bail at P60,000 but Matobato’s camp filed an urgent motion to reduce bail. The bail bond was reduced to P30,000.

He said the P30,000 Matobato paid to be released was donated by “individuals concerned about Matobato.”

On October 7, Matobato, accompanied by Trillanes, surrendered to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as his lawyer filed a bail petition in Davao. Matobato has since been detained at the PNP Custodial Center.

He was released from the custodial center at 3:22 p.m. Friday./rga