40 days after, no case filed on Ducayag’s death

CEBU, Philippines - In commemoration of the 40th day of the death of Mario Alfie Ducayag, his family and supporters held a prayer rally yesterday that started at the Plaza Independencia to Metro Gaisano mall in Colon St.

Fe Soledad, Alfie’s mother said the purpose of the rally was not to create chaos but to seek justice for her 23-year-old son.

Clad in black shirts printed with “Justice for Alfie”, the rallyists carried streamers with the same message.

Some of the placards read “Metro Gaisano, stop killing innocent people”, “Menteryo Gaisano”, and “Who will be the next victim?”.

Soledad also appealed to the management not to hide the truth behind the death of her son.

“Sacrificial lamb ang akong anak. Ayaw mo pagpakalimpyo because time will come maningil ang Ginoo ninyo,” she said referring to the mall management.

Ducayag, of Tuyan, Naga City was mistaken for a shoplifter and was allegedly mauled to death while in the security office of the mall.

Ducayag’s elder sister, Mary Shantylle, criticized the mall management and likewise called on shoppers to be extra careful when purchasing items at the mall so that they will not end up getting mauled or killed.

“Kung muanha man gani mo, ipa-stapler ang resibo sa inyong agtang, para di mo mapareha sa akong manghod na gikulata hangtod namatay.

Sherwin Eviota, spokesperson of the establishment told the media that the action of the Ducayag family was an exercise of their right to freedom of expression.

In fact, they allowed the rally to be held in front of their store.

“It is their right to express themselves,” he said.

Eviota explained that the mall management did not hide the truth and even cooperated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 in its investigation.

They also gave to the NBI the recording of their CCTV camera.

Eviota said like Ducayag’s family, they also want to know the truth.

Eviota also revealed that last Tuesday, the mall terminated the Chief of Security Mauricio Dublados for serious misconduct and withholding vital information.

The NBI has yet to file charges against those responsible for Ducayag’s death of because of the changes in the attached affidavits of witnesses.

Based on the re-autopsy report of NBI medico-legal officer Rene Cam, Ducayag died due to dislocation of his cervical vertebrae and not asphyxia due to bleeding pulmonary tuberculosis as earlier reported by the medico-legal of the Philippine National Police, Nestor Sator.

Store manager May Sasidor said the incident has no significant effect in their sales.

In fact, they are expecting more customers when classes open next month. — (FREEMAN)