Makati bar gunman posts bail; new warrant to cover additional charges

Oliver Jameiro, the suspected gunman in the killing of TV director Luis "Luigi" Santiago, has been given temporary liberty after posting P40,000 bail on homicide charges filed against him, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

Special investigator Albert Froilan Gaerlan, NBI-Background Investigation Division (NBI-BID), said the 32-year-old Jameiro was able to post bail before Executive Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr., of the Manila City Regional Trial Court (MCRTC), last July 21.

"After his release from detention, his parents placed him in a safe area, but he still maintains contact with the NBI because he really wants to help in the investigation."

Jameiro allegedly shot Santiago, 27, director of the weekly horror show Nginiig during a brawl outside the Venezia Bar at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City last June 8. Santiago died from gunshot wounds in the chest.

Six others were hurt, including Senior Inspector Merqiode Bodanio of the Makati police, who was hit in the arm.

The NBI said the Department of Justice might decide to issue another warrant against the suspect after the preliminary investigation to cover the other charges, namely frustrated homicide, assault upon a person in authority, illegal possession of firearms and multiple physical injuries.

The Makati police earlier lodged one count of homicide against Jameiro, but during that time they did not know his real name. They filed charges against a man using the aliases Oliver Castro, Oliver Angeles and Oliver Perez.

The suspect was arrested last July 3 in Barangay Sto. Nino, Marikina City.

In today’s scheduled preliminary hearing at the DOJ, authorities intend to consolidate cases filed by the NBI and Makati police.

Gaerlan would also file a separate case against Jameiro’s female companion Charito Angeles, 35, a diamond dealer and a resident of Alabang in Muntinlupa.

Angeles has been tagged as being an accomplice to homicide when she allegedly provided the suspect with the gun.

The Glock 357 that was handed over by Angeles to the suspect belongs to Marine Maj. Roberto Velasco.

Velasco’s lawyer said that at the time of the shooting incident, he was in Mindanao. The NBI said they have filed no charges against him.