Nicole slay hearing reset

MANILA, Philippines - The preliminary investigation on the four suspects in the death of stray-bullet victim Stephanie Nicole Ella was reset anew, an official said yesterday.

The hearing could not push through because the result on the ballistic examination on bullets fire by Juan Agus and his three friends has yet to be released, Superintendent Jackie Candelario said.

The bullets were submitted to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory first week of January.

Candelario said the investigating prosecutor wants an affidavit from Ella’s parents complaining the suspects. “But the victim’s parents cannot do that yet. What if the ballistics examinations result is negative?” Candelario said.

Undergoing the preliminary investigation are Army reservist Agus and friends Feliciano Cercano, Eddie Magtubo, and Arcadio Gulmatico Jr. They were arrested after Agus admitted to firing his gun on New Year’s Eve.