Tom's leave stays even if.: Police end probe into complaints vs. Miguel

CEBU, Philippines - Case closed?

The Cebu City Police yesterday closed its investigation into allegations that Miguel Osmeña, son of Mayor Tomas Osmeña harassed a young woman as the family of the alleged victim said that they are not pursuing their complaint.

The lack of interest of the complainant and their failure to turn over two vital items that could have been evidence forced the police to close the case.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of the CCPO, said the investigation since the family of Samantha Benitez reportedly pointed out to them that they are not interested in filing any charges against Miguel.

Comendador said that until yesterday, the Benitez’s family still did not turn over to them the digital camera that allegedly had a bullet hole in it and the cellular phone that contained the threat, which they believe was sent by the younger Osmeña.

Sr. Inspector David Señor, who has been tasked to lead the investigation, said that before finally terminating the investigation, they called the Benitez family for the fourth time.

The family then reiterated to them their disinterest to file the case against the mayor’s son.

Señor said the investigation is terminated without prejudice to its re-opening once the family desires to execute a sworn statement of the facts complained of to support the filing of the case and until adequate pieces of evidence are obtained to prove the case.

“At any rate, the case has until one year within which to prescribe. It is only until then that our investigation without other evidences shall attain its finality,” Señor added.

Last Wednesday, the police again contacted the Benitez family and got to talk to Benjamin Smits, stepfather of Samantha Elise Benitez. He said that they are not pursuing the case.

Smits told the police that it should be pointed out that from the beginning they were not interested in filing any case against Miguel.

Comendador said that the incident supposedly should have been referred to barangay San Antonio for possible mediation and reconciliation of both parties, but the police acted on it since the incident was reported to the police station.

Tom Will Still Go On Leave

Mayor Osmeña said that he will continue to go on leave even if the Benitez family has expressed no intent to pursue the case against his son.

“I will extend my leave 30 days to allow a complaint to be filed. I’m not in a hurry to return to work. I don’t know what the developments are,” Osmeña said as he announced that he is leaving for Bacolod City to visit his mother.

When he was informed that the family of Benitez has already decided not to file a case against Miguel, he said “What media tells me is unverified. I will stay away from official functions and not interfere on developments on this case.”

After visiting his mother in Bacolod City, Osmeña said he is also planning to proceed to another “out of town” trip, although he did not say his purpose of going to that place.

But some sources very close to the mayor said Osmeña is negotiating with some investors who are planning to buy another lots at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Miguel, who is already in the United States studying at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), has been accused by Samantha as the one who threatened her after destroying her camera by shooting it.

The mayor’s son reportedly got mad on Samantha, the lady friend of Miguel’s girlfriend Bea Villegas, because she left the latter after she got drunk at a resto bar along Pelaez Street more than two weeks ago.

But Osmeña said his only son is very eager to explain his innocence about the accusation hurled against him, but he discouraged him of making it because it will only affect his studies. — Niña G. Sumacot and Rene U. Borromeo/NLQ(FREEMAN NEWS)