Ex-lawmaker: Boyfriend took me, my family hostage

MANILA, Philippines - Former Quezon City congresswoman Nanette Castelo-Daza and her family said yesterday that her former boyfriend was killed Friday night because he took them hostage.

Daza herself said that if not for her son-in-law, Allan Robes, “all of us must have been dead by now,” adding that media reports of what really happened are inaccurate.

“I was held captive. Allan not only protected himself but his wife and his unborn child and me. We just want to bring out the truth,” she said, referring to her daughter, Quezon City Councilor Jessica Daza, who is pregnant.

The former lawmaker admitted that she had a relationship with the victim but because Orate wanted her back, he went to their house and threatened to commit suicide after killing everyone inside one after the other.

“Bukas nasa headline tayo (We shall be in the headlines tomorrow),” Daza quoted Orate as saying. She said he talked about how he wanted her back in his life after their 10-year relationship ended last Jan. 18.

Jessica and their family’s lawyer, Alfredo Villamor, corroborated Daza’s story.

“My husband had to do what he had to do. Orate went into our house drunk and carrying a gun. I hope this case undergoes due process,” Jessica told reporters in a press conference.

Villamor said they want to dispel rumors that the Daza family will try to influence the case. He said Robes “wanted to protect his wife and their unborn child and his mother-in-law. The Robes couple only came to aid the congresswoman. They were also held hostage.”

Robes has been charged with homicide for the killing even though police officers wanted to charge him with murder based on several gunshot wounds sustained by Orate.

However, after evaluating the complaint filed late Saturday, Assistant City Prosecutor Ivan Usman downgraded it to homicide and recommended bail at P40,000.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent George Regis said Robes, 38, has yet to talk to investigators to explain what happened.

“The suspect through his counsel invoked his right to remain silent,” he told The STAR yesterday, adding that Robes is expected to post bail today.

Orate’s family wants justice

Orate’s children described their father as a good man and said they want justice. They asked members of media for help, claming they are up against the influential Daza clan.

“He doesn’t deserve to be treated like this,” Orate’s daughter, Noelyn, said as she rushed out of the Quezon City Hall of Justice Saturday night during the inquest proceedings.

“I want justice for my dad. He’s a good person, a lot of people can attest that he’s a good person,” she said in between sobs while walking as she was being hustled by a male companion into a waiting vehicle.

Reporters were barred from covering the inquest but a source who was present during the proceedings said Robes’ lawyer claimed self-defense, noting that the victim also had a gun.

The former lawmaker reportedly called the police to ask for help. When police officers were at the gate, they heard shots being fired.

Robes came out carrying a gun, which he dropped before raising his hands to surrender. He allowed the police officers to arrest him and search the house. The lawmen found Orate’s body with a gun beside him.