Boniel murder: Still no justice two years later

CEBU, Philippines — Two years after her murder, the family of former Bien Unido mayor Gisela Boniel is still crying for justice.

Gisela was allegedly shot in the head and wrapped in a fishnet weighed down with rocks before being dumped in the sea between Caubian Island and Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City last June 7, 2017.

"The family of Gisela is restless because two years already passed and Niño Boniel and the other accused have yet to be put to justice," said Atty. Virgil Ligutan, one of the legal counsels of the family.

Yesterday, Gisela's family, in commemoration of her second death anniversary, offered a prayer service led by Pastor Donel Rodriguez in the seawaters between Caubian Island and Olango Island.

Flowers were thrown into the sea after the service.

Angela Leyson, a close friend of Gisela who was with her shortly before her death, recalled her memories with Gisela. Leyson further said that she is still receiving death threats.

The parricide case against Niño Rey Boniel, the husband of Gisela, and the murder case filed against his co-accused were re-raffled to Regional Trial Court Branch 70 in Lapu-Lapu City under Judge Christine Muga-Abad after Judge Ferdinand Collantes of Branch 54 inhibited from the case.

The case is set to hear on July 12, 2019 at 2 p.m.

Another case for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, this one filed by Leyson and her minor son, against Niño Rey and others is pending before Judge Nathaniel Andal of Branch 24 in Cebu City.

Ligutan said the prosecution is doing everything to expedite the hearings by presenting several witnesses. On the other hand, he said the defense is doing everything to delay the proceedings.

"Any day of delay is a delay in the collective search for justice for the death of Gisela," Ligutan added. — BRP (FREEMAN)