NBI closes probe into Benaojan slay

The National Bureau of Investigation has terminated its investigation into the murder of Bantay Radyo reporter George Benaojan even if the mastermind has yet to be identified.

Renan Oliva, who is handling the investigation of the case has already submitted his report to regional director Medardo De Lemos terminating the investigation to give way to the police to continue on their own to identify the mastermind.

Oliva said the alleged assailant, former boxer Roberto "Jinky" Jagdon, has already surrendered to the police. He said it is up now to the police to investigate Jagdon to identify the mastermind.

Jagdon denied any involvement in the killing of Benaojan after he surrendered to C/Insp. Romeo Santander of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division last month.

But, witness Adriano "Jammy" Llanos, who was with Benaojan when he was shot dead in the South Central Market in barangay Lawaan II, Talisay City, last December 1, positively identified Jagdon as the assailant.

Jagdon has been charged with murder, his case is now pending in the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 21 judge Eric Menchavez. The court has scheduled the arraignment on February 22.

Benaojan was shot while talking with Llanos infront of his rented stall in Talisay Central Market. Although the suspect has already been charged and detained, police have yet to establish a clear motive in the killing.

The police are following several angles in their investigation, including Benaojan's dealings with the Bureau of Customs and his alleged grudge with one of the previous stall owners in the market. - Fred P. Languido