CEBU, Philippines - Although relatives defended their 16-year-old nephew who is tagged as the primary suspect for killing his own mother and sisters, Raul Bantilan, husband and father of the victims, is convinced that it was his stepson who committed the crime.
Raul remained silent during the requiem mass yesterday afternoon at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi but was no longer able to hold back his tears as his loved ones were laid to rest at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Naga Catholic Cemetery in Barangay West Poblacion.
Grief and cries for justice were heard from the relatives during the burial of the eight-month pregnant woman and the five-year-old girl who were killed inside their house in Barangay Naalad, Naga City on September 8.
Cleofe Tampus, sister of the deceased, suddenly collapsed as the bodies were lowered down their graves.
Police estimated that 500 people attended the burial.
The FREEMAN tried to get a statement from Raul after the burial but he refused, saying he would be available for an interview a few days later.
Chief Inspector Timmar Alam, chief of the Naga Police Station, told The FREEMAN that Raul came to them and made queries on the investigation of the case.
Alam revealed to Raul the time frame of their investigation and the evidence recovered from the crime scene as well as the case filed at the Naga City Prosecutor’s Office.
“Nagpanglingo-lingo ra siya pagkahibaw niya nga mao ang gapatay pero wala pa siya kahibaw kung unsa iyang desisyon ron,” Alam said.
Alam added that though Raul was convinced his stepson was the culprit, he also found it hard to oppose the claims of his wife’s relatives.
“Maglisod siya kay magkasumpaki man kay ang pamilya mulaban man gyud sa suspect,” he said.
Police are planning to suggest that Raul file separate charges and execute an affidavit against the suspect who is now at the Operation Second Chance in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.
Raul’s wife and daughter were found the next morning after they were killed Thursday evening inside their house. Both died of several stab wounds.
Charges for special complex crime of robbery with homicide was already filed against the minor suspect and his cohort Bryant Pansoy, 19. – (FREEMAN)