Senate transfers custody of Alcantara to DOJ for witness protection

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

CUSTODY TRANSFER. Former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, wearing bulletproof vest, is escorted as he leaves the Senate for transfer to the custody of the Department of Justice on Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2026). Alcantara was cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and had been under Senate custody since Sept. 18, 2025 in connection with the panel’s investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – The Senate on Wednesday transferred the custody of former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for his placement under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Personnel from the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation fetched Alcantara following a formal request from the justice department, citing his admission to the WPP under Republic Act No. 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act.

In a letter dated Jan. 21, DOJ officer-in-charge Secretary Fredderick Vida requested the immediate transfer of Alcantara’s custody, saying the move was “in the interest of the service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws and regulations.”

The DOJ also assured the Senate of Alcantara’s continued availability, stating that it “undertakes that Engr. Alcantara shall fully cooperate with the Senate of the Philippines should his presence be required by the Blue Ribbon Committee.”

Alcantara was cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and had been under Senate custody since Sept. 18, 2025 in connection with the panel’s investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

In a phone patch interview earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate had allowed the transfer and that the matter was largely procedural.

He said the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) would release Alcantara upon receipt of the proper documents from the DOJ.

“Puwedeng magpadala na sila doon basta official, siguradong ibibigay ng OSAA (They can already send the official request there and the OSAA will surely release him),” he said.

Sotto clarified that Alcantara’s placement under the WPP does not bar his cooperation with the Senate, noting that coordination remains in place should his testimony be required in future Blue Ribbon hearings.

The DOJ confirmed that Alcantara is now under the government WPP.

“Yes, he is officially under protective custody of the witness protection program of the Department of Justice,” Vida said.

Vida, however, declined to give more details on the accommodations for Alcantara and three other witnesses admitted to the WPP.

No feelers

Meanwhile, Vida downplayed reports that fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co has sent “feelers,” seeking a dialogue with the Philippine government.

Vida said any feelers must be substantive and go through the prescribed process for evidence.

“On the ongoing investigations. May mga proseso ‘to (There are processes). How will will it affect. Of course, we don’t weigh evidence na wala naman doon sa proseso. So, pag sinabi mo lang feelers, paano makaka-apekto ‘yun. (that is not part of the process. So, when one said feelers, how it will affect the case),” Vida said in a media interview.

“So, I don’t think the feelers will have [an impact],” he added.

Vida added the witnesses already in the witness program have reiterated their willingness to cooperate with the government in prosecuting those involved in the anomalous flood control projects, as well as comply with any restitution requirements.

Co is the primary subject of the manhunt regarding the anomalous multibillion-peso flood control projects. He is believed to be abroad.