Ex-DPWH Official Reveals Startling Safehouse Encounter with Former PNP Chief Torre
In a dramatic turn at the Senate, state witness and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo provided detailed testimony about an unexpected meeting with former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III. The encounter occurred at a safehouse offered to Bernardo amid fears for his and his family's safety, following his initial Senate appearance in the ongoing flood control anomaly investigation.
Security Fears Lead to Safehouse Offer
Bernardo admitted during the eighth Senate hearing on the flood control controversy that after testifying on September 25, he experienced significant anxiety regarding his personal security and that of his family. With assistance from a friend and a respected priest, he was provided with a safehouse where he could relocate with his family and legal counsel. It was within this secure location that Bernardo unexpectedly came face-to-face with Torre, who was then a four-star general on floating status, sparking immediate questions about the nature and authority of this arrangement.
Discussions and Restrictions in the Safehouse
According to Bernardo, their conversation primarily centered on security matters. However, Torre reportedly imposed several restrictions within the safehouse environment, though specific details were not fully disclosed in the hearing. Bernardo later left the premises temporarily for a medical check-up, promising to return within two days. He never went back, and communication between the two was subsequently severed, adding a layer of mystery to the incident.
Senate Scrutiny and Unanswered Questions
Senator Panfilo Lacson pressed Bernardo on the legal authority under which Torre was providing protection, given the unusual circumstances. Bernardo acknowledged his own doubts but explained he placed trust in the arrangement because Torre had been referred by his spiritual adviser. He also noted that Torre frequently stepped out during their talks to make phone calls, suggesting other engagements or contacts. Senator Lacson further highlighted rumors that Torre might be holding other witnesses, though the motives behind such actions remain unclear and unverified.
This testimony revisits earlier reports that Torre had offered security to Bernardo after the latter's name was implicated in the flood control project controversies. The Senate hearing continues to probe these connections, emphasizing the complex interplay between personal safety, official roles, and the broader investigation into alleged anomalies.
