Journalist Slayer Transfered To Zamboanga Jail

Slain journalist, Edgar Damalerio (left) and policeman-turned-murderer, Guillermo Wapile in these undated photos.

PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 02 Jun) – A policeman-turned-journalist slayer was transferred from here to another jail in Zamboanga City after allegedly receiving death threats.

Guillermo Wapile, the murderer of broadcaster Edgar Damalerio, has been brought to the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRF). Wapile, formerly assigned with the Pagadian City police force, is branded as “high-risk.”

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Mindanao have confirmed the transfer of the criminal, according to the Philippine News Agency.

“ZCRC warden Supt. Victor Borres disclosed Saturday that former policeman Guillermo Wapile was transported last week under heavy guards to the ZCRC,” it said.

“Wapile's transfer is in line with an existing Supreme Court administrative circular allowing the transfer of "high risk" prisoner or inmate to a safer detention center,” the agency quoted jail superintendent, Victor Borres, as saying.

Borres claimed that Wapile is also facing separate charges in court for robbery and carnapping. He will not be allowed to go out of his detention cell without jail guards accompanying him and his hands will be handcuffed, he said.

“Food that will be brought to Wapile's cell will also be thoroughly inspected as part of the security measures,” Borres said.

Wapile was arrested and sentenced to life in prison in 2005 for murdering the journalist. At least 3 witnesses in the killing of Damalerio were also killed one after the other.

Despite Wapile’s arrest, the mastermind in the murder of the journalist remains unknown up to this time and Damalerio’s family has been hiding because of death threats.

Damalerio, a staunch anti-corruption crusader, was shot dead outside his office in Pagadian City in 2002.

The motive of the killing is also unknown, but police in Pagadian City tried, but failed to cover up the murder. It also presented a fall guy to cover up for Wapile, who went into hiding until his arrest.

The Philippines now ranks second to Iraq on the list of deadliest countries for journalists in 2005, according to international media group Reporters without Borders.

Dozens of journalists were killed in the Philippines the past decade and most of the killings remain unresolved. (Mindanao Examiner)