DOJ asked to help catch accused in fatal hacking

A witness to the murder of his own brother more than a year ago has sought the assistance of the Department of Justice witness protection program for the capture of the last of the three accused who is still at large.

Romulo Bontilao went to the marshal's office of the witness protection program the other day to ask for assistance for the immediate arrest of his cousin, Elvin Bontilao, who is one of the three accused of killing his brother, Danilo.

The other accused Junrel Gualiza and Jovelito Bontilao, who are also his cousins, have already been arrested and are now detained at the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center.

Elvin and his brother Jovelito and Gualiza allegedly hacked and killed Danilo last May 16, 2004 in sitio Langub, barangay Sirao, over a misunderstanding.

Romulo is worried for his family's safety as Elvin allegedly vowed to go after him. Although Elvin has reportedly left Cebu, Romulo said some of their relatives are sympathetic to Elvin.

An alias warrant has already been issued against Elvin by Regional Trial Court Branch 19 judge Ramon Codilla. Elvin is reported to have been hiding either in Tipanoy, Iligan City, or in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. - Fred P. Languido