Panel formed in case vs HPG-7 policemen

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has created a panel to investigate the complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation-7 against officials of the Highway Patrol Group-7 accused in the ambush-slay of lawyer Noel Archival.

Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba said more heads are better than one.

“Well, we have to admit the case is highly controversial and five is okay,” she said.

Pursuant to Memorandum No. 2014-27, Prosecutors Petronio Elesterio, Jay Paradiang, Rustom Presas Jr., Ferdinand Collantes and Al Rey Ouano composed the panel.

Petralba said the panel has 60 days to resolve the complaint before it will be endorsed to the reviewing prosecutor and for her approval.

Last week, the NBI-7 and the Philippine National Police filed multiple murder and frustrated murder against HPG-7 chief, Senior Supt. Romualdo Iglesia; Senior Insp. Joselito Lerion; Chief Insp. Eduardo Mara; SPO4 Edwin Galan; PO1 Alex Bacani; and unidentified persons before the prosecutor’s office.

NBI-7 Regional Director Max Salvador said they are going to submit additional evidence, including the testimonies of more witnesses.

Salvador said the additional pieces of evidence are to bolster their case against the respondents.

“Though we have already a strong case, the additional evidences are to strengthen more our case,” he said, adding they have no direct evidence or eyewitness but have strong circumstantial evidence.

According to lawyers Renan Oliva and Erme Monsanto, lead agents of the NBI-7, a crime was committed based on conspiracy among the respondents.

Furthermore, Salvador said once complaints for multiple and frustrated murders will be elevated to the court, the bureau will ask for a lookout order against the respondents.

Lawyers Inocencio dela Cerna and Hazan Bargamento earlier said they welcome the filing of complaints against their clients because this will give them ample opportunity to meet head on the issues at the proper forum.

Archival and members of his staff Alejandro Jayme and Candido Miñoza were killed after they were ambushed while traversing Barangay Coro, Dalaguete around 1 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2014. They were onboard a black Ford SUV.

Only Paolo Cortes, on call-assistant of Archival, survived the attack.  (FREEMAN)