Intel agents in Lozada slay want case settled

The 10 agents of the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) involved in the deaths of a hotel chief steward and a family friend due to mistaken identity in Quezon City last May 17 will likely aim for an amicable settlement with the victims relatives, PNP sources said yesterday.

Facing double murder and frustrated murder charges arising from the incident were team leader Superintendent Edgar Iglesia, Chief Inspector James Mejia, Inspector Preston Bangandan, Inspectors Cesar Panada and Christine Tabdi, Senior Inspectors Edwin Portencio, Police Officers 1 John Bolatin, Arnold Solas, Frederick Taala and Cherrylin Tundayan.

But the PNP officials said eyeing an "amicable settlement" now would be too early since the "wounds" caused by the sudden deaths of Fernando Lozada, 48, and 18-year-old Marian Uson have yet to heal.

"The filing of the charges is part of the judicial process. The court cannot prevent the victims’ families from filing affidavits of resistance later on or in the middle of the trial," police sources said.

PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza assigned Chief Superintendent Edgar Galvante to appease the victims’ families.

Police agents were conducting a follow-up operation on the kidnapping of Mark Harris Baccala, son of a deceased Quezon City judge, when the incident happened.