Witnesses in reporter’s slay in DOJ custody

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  â€“ The Department of Justice (DOJ) has accepted into the Witness Protection Program (WPP) three witnesses in the killing of tabloid reporter Rubylita Garcia in Cavite last month, the National Press Club (NPC) said yesterday.

Paul Gutierrez, chairman of the NPC press freedom committee, said Garcia’s sister Cecille and her two children are now covered by the WPP.

“The witnesses were under NPC custody for a week for fear of their lives. They were transferred to the DOJ,” Gutierrez told The STAR.

Gutierrez said the National Bureau of Investigation is also working on Garcia’s case.        He said the police failed to meet the 40-day deadline the NPC gave to solve Garcia’s killing.