EPD to continue probe on Reyes’ accident

The arrest of three people for dropping sacks of rocks on the vehicle of Interior and Local Governments Secretary Angelo Reyes in Mandaluyong City last Friday will not stop the Eastern Police District (EPD) from digging deeper into the case.

EPD director Chief Superintendent Oscar Valenzuela admitted that they are pursuing several angles, including an attempt against the life of Secretary Reyes himself.

The Mandaluyong City police arrested Robert Amile, 23; Luisito Diones, 32; and a 15-year-old boy, all residents of Calbayog St., Barangay Highway Hills, after witnesses tagged them as the persons behind the incident.

Valenzuela ordered the Mandaluyong police to conduct a background investigation on the three suspects which would help them in their probe.

"I received reports that one of the suspects has a criminal record and we are checking on that," said Valenzuela.

Reports showed that Reyes earned a lot of enemies when he broke away from the camp of former President Joseph Estrada and help install into power President Arroyo during the EDSA uprising in 2001.

Junior military officers in Makati City who staged a mutiny at the Oakwood hotel last year demanded Reyes’ ouster as the Secretary of National Defense then.

Investigation showed that Reyes’ van, with license plate WNG 193, being driven by T/Sgt. Warlito Mostrales, was cruising along EDSA at the intersection of Shaw Blvd. when it was hit by sacks of rocks at around 12:35 a.m.

The impact broke the front windshield of the van and almost caused Mostrales to lose control of the vehicle.

Mandaluyong police chief Ericson Velasquez sent operatives to conduct follow-up operations which resulted in the subsequent arrest of the suspects. — Non Alquitran