Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has expressed concern over the current whereabouts and safety of retired Master Sergeant Orly Guteza, whose location remains unconfirmed.
In a press briefing held on Tuesday, November 4, Lacson said their efforts to locate Guteza are genuine and that his presence is crucial should he wish to further clarify his previous statements.
“Sincere ‘yong effort to locate him,” Lacson said. “Kung mayroon siyang idaragdag, idagdag niya.”
Lacson noted that he is personally worried about Guteza’s situation, especially after the Philippine Marines denied that the witness is under their custody.
“Concern din kasi hindi na natin alam kung ano ang nangyari sa kaniya. May mga claim na nasa Marine compound, hindi naman pala,” he said.
The senator also wants to verify who helped draft Guteza’s affidavit, which was earlier read during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
“Gusto ko ring malaman sa kaniya, sino ba talaga ‘yong naggawa ng affidavit mo?… Kailangang ma-clarify din ‘yon,” Lacson added.
Guteza previously testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, claiming that they delivered bags of alleged “trash” to the residences of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.