2 witnesses recant drug allegations vs De Lima

MANILA, Philippines — Two more key witnesses – Maj. Rodolfo Magleo and Sgt. Nonilo Arile – in Leila de Lima’s last drug case are recanting their testimonies against the detained former senator.

In a letter addressed to De Lima dated Oct. 12, Magleo and Arile wrote: “We are recanting our testimonies (because) we are bothered by our conscience.”

De Lima’s lawyers, Boni Tacardon and Dino de Leon, told reporters yesterday that Magleo personally handed the letter to the former senator earlier in court.

Magleo and Arile were scheduled to testify against De Lima before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206.

“We are recanting our testimonies for several reasons with the primordial objective – to help you be set free together with your fellow co-accused in the last case,” Magleo wrote.

“We do not want you to be victims of a mistrial. We will reveal in due time. We are assuring you that the last drug case will be dismissed,” he added.

Five other witnesses will be recanting their testimonies against De Lima, Magleo said.

The court approved Magleo’s request to be transferred to the New Bilibid Prison from Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, effective today due to alleged threats to his safety.