Manila, Jan. 21 -- 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 Sen...