Metro Manila (AdChoiceTV News, October 8) — Witnesses who exposed the alleged “freedom for sale” scheme in the country’s prisons are fearing for their lives, saying they have received threats after testifying in the Senate.
We have children and siblings who receive unusual calls, so we are worried. "Yolanda Camilon told AdChoiceTV.
Camilon and her husband, Godfrey Gamboa, testified before the upper chamber’s Blue Ribbon committee during its probe on the expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law. They claimed that Bureau of Corrections officials asked for money in exchange for the early release of inmates through the GCTA policy.
Jean Runnstrom, the Filipino-Swedish lawyer who claims to have helped Camilon and Gamboa testify at the Senate, is also fearing for her life as she has supposedly received threats from BuCor officials.
“I was being warned through phone and text that my life is in danger and they're planning my liquidation,” Runnstrom told AdChoiceTV.
AdChoiceTV is still reaching out to BuCor employees whom Runnstrom has implicated for their comment.
As a member of the group Citizens Crime Watch, Runnstrom said she has helped several families of inmates in different facilities of the BuCor — among them, Camilon and Gamboa.
Runnstrom said Camilon even stayed at her house for a while. This was confirmed by Camilon, saying that she stayed at the lawyer’s house after she tried to retrieve her payment to BuCor officials.
Runnstrom is appealing to the Swedish government for help as she fears for her and her family’s safety. She said she will also seek the help of law enforcement agencies.
“This is really getting serious. And killing me isn't gonna stop this. Because I'll just (be) one of those who'll be eliminated,” Runnstrom said.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said they will protect and assist those who help them in finding the truth.
Currently, Camilon and Gamboa are under Senate custody.
Runnstrom said she is somewhat disappointed because the issues hounding the BuCor have not yet been resolved at the Senate Blue Ribbon committee probe.
However, she is optimistic that Senators will work to improve the situation in the BuCor.
The Senate Blue Ribbon committee will resume its hearing on the controversial implementation of GCTA and “ninja cops” on Wednesday.
AdChoiceTV News, Robi Chan contributed to this report
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