Witnesses in Blanca slay case to be called by NBI

Two witnesses in the still-ongoing probe of the death of veteran actress Nida Blanca, will be re-summoned by the National Bureau of Investigations in an effort to shed more light on the case.

NBI director Reynaldo Wycoco told reporters yesterday that the two witnesses, whom he described as "close acquaintances" of the murdered actress, will be summoned again for questioning by the bureau after probers hinted that they withheld some vital information.

"It appears that their initial statements were incomplete. We have decided to invite them again and have them complete their statements," said Wycoco.

Meanwhile, Wycoco also announced that the NBI’s investigative team on the Blanca case will be augmented by two investigators from the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Director Nestorio Gualberto.

It will be recalled that the CIDG was the initial investigator of the case. The case was transferred to the NBI following the controversy created by Philip Medel.

The CIDG had presented Medel as Blanca’s alleged murderer. Later, however, Medel claimed that he was tortured by the CIDG to admit his participation in the crime.

Charges against Medel were dropped by the Department of Justice following his retraction.

Blanca was discovered dead at the 6th floor parking lot of the Atlanta Towers along Annapolis Street in San Juan last November 7. She sustained 13 stab wounds in the body and face. According to the NBI, the late actress died from blood loss caused by the multiple shallow stab wounds. Probers said the murderer used a paring knife. — Mike Frialde