The best development so far in the ongoing investigation into the killing of prominent lawyer Noel Archival and two members of his staff is the recovery of a car allegedly used in the ambush last month.
Personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation swooped down on the headquarters of PNP Highway Patrol Group-7 to serve a search warrant for a vehicle believed to be used by the perpetrators in the killing of Archival and two others and the wounding of another companion.
At least four HPG Central Visayas officials, including their regional chief, Senior Supt. Romualdo Iglesia, were named in the warrant. They are now under investigation for the incident.
In fact, criminal complaints will be filed against them this week for the killing of Archival and his companion in Dalaguete town. NBI-7 director Max Salvador said only documentation is needed for the filing of the charges.
For their part, the HPG officials said they are willing to face any investigation regarding the case. One of the accused denied any involvement in the incident, saying he is willing to cooperate in the investigation
Although the investigation into the case seems to be treading on the right direction, it is too early to conclude whether a solution is now in sight. As we see it, it's still a long walk to justice for the families of the victims.
As we all know, Archival was a very prominent lawyer who had handled many of Cebu's high-profile criminal cases. This prompted investigators to largely attribute his killing to his colorful legal career.
While they are facing a daunting task, we do hope that investigators are on the right track. The public knows that the authorities will never leave any stone unturned in their quest to solve the case.