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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ: Custody transfer of state witness Alcantara 'under wraps'

DOJ: Custody transfer of state witness Alcantara 'under wraps'

Published Jan 20, 2026 03:12 pm
Due to “security concerns,” the transfer of former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara from Senate custody to the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be kept “under wraps.”
DOJ Acting Secretary Fredderick A. Vida said “the target is this week” on Alcantara’s transfer.
Vida recounted that, during the hearing held by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last Monday, Jan. 19, “the Senate has expressed its intention to let go of the custody of Alcantara.”
He said the DOJ will be making a formal request for the transfer but he said the day Alcantara will be transferred “will be kept under wraps” because “may mga security concerns s’ya (he has security concerns).”
Alcantara is one of four state witnesses in the flood control cases. The other state witnesses are former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, DPWH Regional Director Geard P. Opulencia, and Sally Santos of Syms Construction Trading.
“Remember they are critical witnesses and they have very important pieces of evidence for us to prove our case against the accused,” Vida explained.
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