Filipina, Dutch hubby seek gov’t protection from Trillanes

A Filipina and her Dutch husband who sued Antonio Trillanes IV in connection with the 2003 Oakwood mutiny asked Wednesday Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to place them under the Witness Protection Program (WPP). In a press conference, Annie Santarin and her Dutch husband Adrina De Jager said they also sought the assistance of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) to expedite their request. The couple said they are being tailed by suspicious-looking men since they filed a case against Trillanes. “We now fear for our lives, especially that Trillanes is going to be proclaimed senator," Annie and Adrian said. The couple had accused Trillanes of land-grabbing in March 2003. Trillanes, the couple said, used his connections and influence to land them in jail. They claimed the junior officer used their property to prepare for the infamous July 2003 Makati mutiny. For his part, VACC chairman Dante Jimenez said the DOJ must place Annie and Adrian under the WPP. “We appeal to the DOJ to provide security protection to Santarin and De Jager so that in case something happens to them, we may hold Trillanes accountable" Jimenez said. Jimenez said Trillanes is not a trustworthy man. “How can you trust a man like Trillanes who took the law into his own hands by ruthlessly putting to jail those who stand on his way?" he said. “How can we have faith in one who presents himself as incorruptible, who mouths claims of incorruptibility when, behind the public’s back, such as man, such a young military officer misrepresent himself and fabricates charges against innocent civilian to cow his victims?" Lauro Vizconde, another victim of heinous crime and a member of the VACC, agreed with Jimenez that Filipinos cannot trust Trillanes. “How can we rely on such a man to conduct himself with sensitivity and compassion expected of the lofty position as senator when unknown to the public, he has been tramping on the rights of others without qualms? Isn’t it time to unmask the real Trillanes?" Vizconde said. VACC president Martin Dino also said the DOJ must place Annie and Adrian under WPP. “Mr. Trillanes should face the consequences of his actions. We also call on the DOJ to secure Santarin and de Jager and admit them to its Witness Protection Program," he said. “Now that Mr. Trillanes will soon be catapulted to power as senator, the danger to their safety is even greater." - GMANews.TV