NBI asks PNP for witnesses’ statements

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 formally requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a copy of the affidavits of Mauricio Dublados, chief of customer intelligence, and house detective Melvin Boyles, in relation to the mauling to death of a suspected shoplifter.

The two earlier executed an affidavit before the police pinning Jeffrey Aquino, a closed-circuit television officer, as responsible for the mauling of Mario Alfie Ducayag, who was accused of shoplifting. Their affidavits were the basis for the arrest of Aquino.

Regional Director Antonio Pagatpat said that yesterday, he signed the communication letter addressed to the PNP requesting for a copy of the sworn statements of Dublados and Boyles. Their statements, he said, will be used in their ongoing investigation on the death of Ducayag.

Ducayag, 23, a resident of Tuyan, Naga City, Cebu was mauled after he was accused of shoplifting a pair of sandals on April 12, 2013. NBI medico-legal officer Dr. Rene Cam said Ducayag died due to a traumatic neck injury.

Pagatpat said the persons who were inside the investigation room that includes Dublados and Boyles will be called before their office for questioning.

Because of an alleged threat he received, Aquino said he will be asking protection from the NBI.

For his comment, Pagatpat said Aquino is welcome in their office but they have to evaluate the bases of the latter.

“An interview will be conducted to check the reason he is asking for protection and we will assess it,” he said in Tagalog.

However, he said he did not receive any request yet coming from Aquino.

Pagatpat likewise said that maybe next week they can identify the persons responsible for the death of Ducayag.

Today at 9:00 a.m. the family of the victim is set to meet the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter lawyer Mae Elaine Bathan. (FREEMAN)