Vice mayor asked anew to submit DNA samples

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is not giving up on her bid for the vice mayor of South Upi, Maguindanao to submit himself to the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the rape of a 21-year-old volunteer nurse in his town last month.

De Lima said she has ordered the NBI to issue another subpoena inviting Vice Mayor Jordan Ibrahim to submit samples for DNA testing to prove that he was not involved in the rape, as alleged in initial information obtained by investigators.

“This is the third time we are inviting him. Determination can get you a long way. Maybe we will be successful this time,” she told reporters.

She said she has also directed the NBI to check on Ibrahim’s brother, identified as Taboy, as well as two of his bodyguards.

She said they received a tip from an informant on the possible involvement of the three, but she refused to elaborate.

Asked for an update on the victim’s status, she also begged not to answer.

Instead, De Lima vowed to give protection to witnesses who could pinpoint the perpetrators of the crime.