Ivler to leave hospital in 3 weeks

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday road rage murder suspect Jason Ivler is expected to be discharged from the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) in two to three weeks and transferred to the Quezon City Jail.

Angelito Magno, chief of NBI Special Action Unit (SAU), said they were informed by physicians of the QMMC about Ivler’s progress. “It is just a matter of time,” he said.

Magno said the NBI will no longer secure Ivler once he is turned over to the Quezon City Jail.

Last Feb. 16, Ivler pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on charges of murder for the shooting of Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., son of a Malacañang official.

He was accompanied by his mother Marlene Aguilar and his British stepfather Stephen Pollard when he appeared before Judge Alexander Balut of the Quezon City regional trial court (RTC).

Magno said they are still evaluating affidavits and other pieces of evidence to establish whether to file charges against Pollard for obstruction of justice. The diplomat claims he was not aware that Ivler had been hiding in their house.

Magno also said they are studying whether to file charges against Silangan Manalac Fune, a female friend of Ivler, since a firearm – the RockRiver Arms AR-15 rifle – found in Ivler’s possession was registered to her.

Lawyer Princess Abante said her client, who also sported tattoos similar to Ivler’s, was not involved in the road rage shooting.