DOJ wraps up Atimonan shooting probe

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday closed its investigation into the supposed rubout of a suspected gambling lord and 12 others in Atimonan, Quezon last January 6.

Senior State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva the panel wrapped up the investigation as they have already submitted the case for resolution following the submission of counter-affidavits of the policemen involved in the incident.

Policemen, including Calabarzon regional police director, Chief Superintendent James Melad were charged with multiple murder for the death of suspected gambling lord Vic Siman and 12 others.

Also charged were the team leader of the policemen who carried out the operation, Superintendent Hansel Marantan.

The other police officers that took part in the operation were Senior Inspector John Paolo Carracedo, Senior Police Officer 1 Arturo Sarmiento, Superintendent Ramon Balauag, Senior Inspector Timoteo Orig, Chief Inspector Grant Gollod, Senior Police Officer 3 Joselito de Guzman, Senior Police Officer 1 Carlo Cataquiz, Police Officer 3 Eduardo Oronan, PO2 Nelson Indal, PO2 Al Bhazar Jailani, PO1 Wryan Sardea, and PO1 Rodel Talento.

The charges were filed last March after investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation said that Siman's group was rubbed out by the policemen, based on accounts of three eyewitnesses and physical and forensic evidence that showed some of the victims were already lying on the ground, slumped on the seat of the car or ready to surrender but were still shot dead by operatives.

Probers, who pointed to a supposed “jueteng turf war” as possible motive behind the killings, also cited proof of tampering of the crime scene.