Missing ZTE deal witness Lozada is in police custody - Razon

(Updated 11:10 a.m.) Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr, the missing key witness in the $329.5-million broadband deal mess, is in police custody after he allegedly sought security from the Philippine National Police. This was confirmed by PNP chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr Wednesday morning. "Ang alam natin ay nag-request si Lozada na siya ay bigyan ng security at binigyan ito ng Police Security Protection Office at sa ngayon ay kasama niya ang mga elemento ng PSPO (I heard Lozada requested for security so he is now with the Police Security Protection Office)," Razon said, adding that the request was made through a letter. Razon, however, refused to give Lozada's exact whereabouts nor the names of the police personnel who were providing security to the Lozada. He also denied that a certain SPO4 Roger Valeroso is holding Lozada. "Mali lang ang pagkapangalan sa kanya (Valeroso), pero meron pong PNP personnel na nagse-secure sa kanya (Valeroso was mistakenly identified, but we have PNP personnel currently securing Lozada)," Razon said. Razon added that prior to Lozada's request, Lozada's brother, Art, also asked the PSPO for a security arrangement. He said Lozada is fearful for his life and the prospect of being arrested by the Senate. "Nangangamba siya na baka siya ay maaresto at kung saan siya dalhin (He is worried that he might get arrested and brought somewhere else)," Razon said. The Senate issued an arrest warrant against Lozada last week following his failure to testify on the hearing on the controversial ZTE broadband deal. Razon also belied reports that Lozada was abducted, saying as far as he knows, Lozada is with his family. Razon, however, said the PNP will verify the reports. Razon said that they will relinquish Lozada's custody only upon Lozada's request. "We will let him go upon the request of Lozada. At kung sa tingin niya ay hindi na niya kailangan ng security ay maaari na siyang alisan ng security (If he thinks he no longer needs police security then we will pull out our personnel)," he said. - GMANews.TV