THE Department of Justice has given the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 10 days to submit a status report of its investigation into the “gunfight” that left Mayor Ronald Aquino and five others dead last Monday in Calbayog, Samar.
In Department Order (DO) 057, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra directed NBI officer in charge Eric Distor “to submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation directly to the Office of the Secretary within 10 days and periodically thereafter.”
Guevarra also directed the NBI to file the charges against “all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful act.”
The DOJ chief asked the NBI to lead in the investigation to prevent suspicion of a whitewash considering that members of the PNP are among the parties involved.
Guevarra, however, said he would leave it to the NBI to decide which investigating unit to tap for this assignment.
“I will leave that operational detail to the NBI. Normally, it’s the field office of the NBI that conducts the investigation. But in sensitive cases, operatives from the main office are sent in,” he said.
NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said they would utilize both their Samar District Office (SAMDO) based in Catbalogan, Samar that is under the supervision of their Regional Office located in Tacloban City.
The NBI forensic team from its main headquarters in Manila would also assist in the investigation, Lavin added.
LCP condemnation
The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), meanwhile has issued a statement condemning the killing of Mayor Aquino, calling it a “brutal murder by ambush” and joined calls for a thorough investigation.
“This cowardly act executed in broad daylight is a sobering call for vigilance and a cry for the restoration of absolute peace and order,” the LCP statement read.
An active member of the LCP, Aquino served in the 2013-2016 National Executive Board as Regional Representative. He was fondly remembered for his active participation in various programs and projects geared towards fiscal autonomy and good local governance.
“Mayor Aquino is a friend to many of his colleagues and was well-loved by the residents of Calbayog,” it said.
“We demand swift and immediate justice for the orchestrated ambush of Mayor Aquino and we appeal to police authorities for a thorough investigation of his killing. We count on them to bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act and seek all witnesses that may provide clarity on the unfortunate incident,” LCP added.
The incident, the city mayors said, has firmed up their resolve to to continue to actively pursue efforts against criminality and lawlessness to keep our cities and our people safe and secure.
“Today, the City of Calbayog lost a good son and we express our deepest condolences to Mayor Aquino’s family and the rest of Calbayognons. His life may have ended so abruptly, but his legacy of public service will continue to inspire his fellow civil servants.”