The disappearance of witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada unfolded like an action series on television. His departure for Hong Kong to avoid testifying in the Senate, his return to Manila days after, and alleged kidnapping have generated so much interest that it almost overshadowed the real issue—the overpriced national broadband network (NBN) deal with China.

Lozada, an information technology expert, was expected to corroborate the testimony of his friend, former economic planning secretary Romulo Neri, on the botched NBN deal. The controversial deal with Chinese firm Zhong Xing Telecommunication Co. Ltd. (ZTE) has dragged the names of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, former elections chief Benjamin Abalos and Neri. 

The Senate, however, is having a hard time unmasking the truth behind Lozada’s alleged disappearance because of conflicting statements from the parties involved and lack of cooperation from officials whose names have been mentioned but ignored the Senate invitation.

Airport officials and police officers involved in the alleged kidnapping snubbed last Monday’s Senate hearing. A letter sent by their lawyer Felixberto Verano said that chief of the Police Protection and Security Office (PPSO) Romeo Hilomen, Aviation Security Group Chief Atilano Morada, PPSO deputy Paul Mascariñas, airport security chief Angel Atutubo and Rodolfo Valeroso, retired personnel of the Presidential Security Group, would not show up citing their right against self-incrimination.

These officials could have shed light on other issues surrounding Lozada’s “kidnapping”, particularly, the presence of the Presidential Security Group agents at the airport during Lozada’s arrival.

Here are some of the conflicting accounts and unanswered questions. (See timeline here)

Who asked for police security?

Police chief Avelino Razon gave confusing details about the witness’ request for security. On Feb. 6, he said that Lozada himself requested for security detail through a letter. Razon also mentioned that prior to Lozada’s request, the witness’ brother, Art, likewise asked for a security arrangement.

During the Senate inquiry, it was revealed that it was Lozada’s boss, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza who asked Razon to secure Lozada. Razon ordered Romeo Hilomen to meet Lozada at the airport. Hilomen , chief of the Police Security and Protection Office, relayed the order to his deputy, Mascariñas.

Mascariñas, Lozada said, came back to him in the evening of Feb. 6 to ask him to sign a letter asking for a security detail. He said Mascariñas later asked him to convince his sister to sign another letter.

Was Lozada taken against his will?

Police chief Avelino Razon said no kidnapping took place because “Lozada went to the PNP out of his own will.” Airport security chief Angel Atutubo echoed this.

Atutubo said it was he and Rodolfo Valeroso who met Lozada. He added that the NBN witness voluntarily gave his bag to Valeroso. Lozada, Atutubo said, was “walking freely” and was even allowed to go to the restroom for 10 minutes.

But Lozada said he had no choice but to go with them as they met him upon his arrival, immediately after leaving the plane.

Was the PSG involved?

Atutubo, in interviews, said that he did not know that the agents of the Presidential Security Group were behind him while they were escorting Lozada. Atutubo said that he stayed and did not escort Lozada out of the airport.

But entries in the airport logbook do not support Atutubo’s claim.

The logbooks, which were shown to senators, showed that three vehicles arrived at the airport shortly before Lozada’s arrival. A Toyota Corolla Altis carrying Presidential Security Group agents arrived at around 3:00 pm while two vehicles carrying Atutubo and airport operation chief Octavio Lina arrived at around 4:23 pm.

Entries in the logbook showed that at 4:50 pm all parked vehicles “moved out upon arrival of VIP with Atutubo."

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