PNP chopper supplier asks for protection, claims receiving threats

The supplier of two pre-owned helicopters that were sold as new to the Philippine National Police (PNP) has asked for protection from the Senate blue ribbon committee. During Tuesday's blue ribbon committee hearing on the alleged misrepresentations in the PNP's multi-million purchase of helicopters, Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po asked to have for immunity from criminal prosecution and inclusion in the government's witness protection program. "May I be allowed to make my statement in an executive session? (Or) may I plead with all humility or candor for protection for the statement (that I will give) and the risk I am (taking) for the statement," Po said. Lion Air was the company that sold two pre-owned R44 Raven I choppers to the Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation (MAPTRA), which later sold and priced them as brand new to the PNP. Po is expected to prove whether former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo was the previous owner of the choppers. Po said he has been receiving threats through phone calls and other ways. "I have some people going around my place and things to that effect," he said. Senate blue ribbon committee chairman Sen. Teofisto Guingona III said they will consider Po's request. The hearing was ongoing as of posting time. — Kim Tan/RSJ, GMA News