2 more respondents sought in Sugay case

The family of a jeepney driver who was allegedly shot dead by a Manila City Hall official in a parking altercation asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include the names of a barangay chairman in Tondo and a still unidentified bodyguard in the list of respondents.

National Bureau of Investigation-NCR Director Ruel Lasala said William Merginio, counsel for the family of victim Aries Luriz, informed him that he had filed a manifestation and motion against barangay chairman Cleto Ermino and the bodyguard of Jose Noli Sugay, an aide of the mayor and suspect in the July 12 shooting in Tondo.

The barangay official was allegedly present during the confrontation.

"Nakita niyang nagmumura si Sugay. Noong una, umawat siya pero tumalikod din siya," Lasala quoted the lawyer saying.

He said Ermino committed a dereliction of duty when he attempted to pacify the two men, but backed off and returned to his office when he saw it was the 59-year-old Sugay doing the shouting.

On the other hand, the still unidentified bodyguard was allegedly holding an umbrella to prevent Sugay from being drenched in the rain during the dispute. – Evelyn Macairan