NBI guard faces raps for gun duel death

MANILA, Philippines - A National Bureau of Investigation jail guard who killed an NBI agent in a gun duel on Aug. 30 is facing homicide charges before the Manila prosecutor’s office, an official said Friday.

In an interview, National Capital Region assistant regional director Roel Bolivar said the charges were filed Thursday against Oscar Cabebe, 57, for killing Honorado Ocampo, 43, during a heated argument over the transfer of custody of a detainee.

“The ball is now in the hands of the fiscal. But we could still submit additional evidences like the result of the investigation, paraffin tests, ballistics, and others. These could still be submitted,” Bolivar said.

He said the inquest has been finished, but they have yet to get the results of the paraffin tests on the two NBI personnel.

The NBI’s internal affairs division (IAD) will handle the filing of administrative charges against Cabebe. Bolivar said the NBI-IAD will investigate the other guards and other NBI employees present during the incident. Cabebe has not yet been suspended pending an investigation by the NBI-IAD.

Official slams MPD probe

On the other hand, Bolivar insisted again that Cabebe and Ocampo did not grapple for their guns, as stated by the Manila Police District (MPD), which is currently conducting an independent investigation.

He also said both men were able to fire their guns – both .40 caliber Taurus pistols – more than once, contrary to statements by the police.

Bolivar also criticized police investigators for allegedly taking Cabebe’s statement without a lawyer present in his room at the Medical Center Manila.

“It is also the right of Cabebe to see all the documents and evidences that would be used against him. He will also hire a counsel and file a counter affidavit,” he said.