NBI set to end probe of Ortega slay witness’ death

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been asked to stop its probe into the death of a witness to the Jan. 24, 2011 murder of broadcaster–environmentalist Gerry Ortega who was found in his cell at the Quezon provincial jail last month.

Dennis Aranas’ parents and partner did not give a specific reason for withdrawing their earlier request for an investigation into his death , an insider said.

The family of Aranas had asked the NBI to probe his death after a re-examination of his corpse by a forensic expert tapped by the Public Attorney’s Office showed possible signs of foul play in his death, initially reported as apparent suicide.

Because of this, the NBI is set to conclude the probe and come up with its final report on the Aranas’ death next week.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier confirmed that Aranas was no longer covered by its witness protection program (WPP) after he failed to meet requirements of the program because his testimony was not material to the case.

He was then transferred to the Quezon jail to face another case.

The DOJ assured that the murder case remained strong despite Aranas’ death, citing other witnesses including gunman-turned-witness Marlon Recamata.

Recamata, who was arrested shortly after the killing, confessed that he was hired by Rodolfo Edrad, alias Bumar, to kill Ortega for P150,000. He said he received P10,000 as down payment and another P15,000 for operational expenses.

Former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, were implicated in the murder but they denied any knowledge. Mario has been cleared by the Court of Appeals.