Edgar Matobato's greatest fear, he says, more than death itself, was dying before speaking out
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.wanted out. The killings were taking their toll, particularly one assignment involving three young women. He was told they were drug dealers, but he suspected they were innocent. Their deaths haunted him. Sleepless nights piled up, and Matobato, then in his fifties, told his superiors he was too old for the job.
Fearing for his life, Matobato fled Davao with his wife. With money from relatives, they moved between Cebu, Leyte, and Samar. In desperation, he wrote to then-justice secretaryWhen no response came, he traveled to Manila, hoping broadcaster Ted Failon, a fellow Waray, would hear him out. He couldn’t get an audience. Back in Tacloban, he sought help from the, but the regional office, still reeling from the damage caused by typhoon Yolanda, said they couldn’t protect him.
Priests met with Motobato to discern his sincerity. Father Alejo was convinced. Over and over, Matobato had told him, “I have sinned so many times. I have killed so many. Never mind if I go to prison, or get killed, or sent to the electric chair. Before I die, I want to be able to say what I know.” The clergy believed there were real threats on Matobato’s life. The church alone could not protect him. The Magdalo party stepped in, providing security and safe houses. A doctor treated the internal bleeding caused by his torture. Lawyers volunteered legal advice. Others helped with safe houses and other support.
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