Fiscal dismayed over slow pace in Osorio slay probe

Cebu City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon seems to be withdrawing the satisfaction rating he gave earlier to the task force investigating the murder of assistant city prosecutor Patrick Osorio.

After almost a month since Osorio was killed in an ambush, still without a suspect being brought to the bar of justice yet, Sellon said he is “no longer certain” whether he is still satisfied with the progress of the investigation. 

Sellon clarified that during the first week of the investigation, he thought he was satisfied of the progress of the probe because the members of the task force created by the Police Regional Office to conduct the investigation were always meeting them to inquire about the cases that the late prosecutor was handling.

According to Sellon, they have already done their part. He said they have provided the investigators all the information they need to know to help expedite the solution of the case.

However, until now the crime remains unsolved, with nary a suspect in hand, he added. 

According to Sellon, as of now he could no longer say whether he is still satisfied or not.

Sellon however clarified that his office has distanced from the ongoing investigation to avoid being accused of bias later on.

He explained that as soon as the police file a case against whoever will be found responsible, his office will be handling the case. Sellon said that the prosecutor’s office will perform a quasi-judicial function in determining probable cause before the case will be elevated to the court if the pieces of evidence so warrant.

Osorio was ambushed by two unidentified motorcycle-riding men in the afternoon of January 6 at Maria Gochan Street in barangay Mambaling. The assailants were wearing crash helmets making it very hard for the police and the witnesses to identify them. — Fred P. Languido/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)