Archival killing — NBI: Slug matches bullets in crime scene

A SPENT slug found inside the red Toyota Vios sedan that was likely used in the ambush-slay of lawyer Noel Archival last Feb. 18 matched at least four bullet casings that were also found in the crime scene.

The car’s two windows on the right side as well as its floor also tested positive for gunpowder nitrates.

The results of the forensic tests on the car which was recovered from the compound of the regional office of the PNP Highway Patrol Group in barangay Lahug, Cebu were presented yesterday by the National Bureau of Investigation to the Cebu City Regional Trial Court.

NBI supervising agent Jose Ermie Monsanto said the results showed they had basis to search and seize the vehicle.

Monsanto said multiple murder and frustrated murder will be filed against the four officials of the HPG whom the NBI earlier named as suspects as well as two others whom he declined to identify.

“We’re almost done with the investigation. We’re just determining the individual participation of the suspects. Most probably, we can file the charges against them after the Holy Week,” said Monsanto. He and supervising agent Rennan Augustus Oliva appeared before Executive Judge Soliver Peras yesterday.

Monsanto said Supt. Romualdo Iglesia, Senior Insp. Eduardo Mara, Senior Insp. Joselito Lerion and SPO4 Edwin Galan were key suspects.

Vehicles allegedly used in the attack were spotted by NBI agents inside the HPG impounding area, but they only recovered the red sedan after they secured a search warrant from Judge Peras.

A pickup was brought out of the impounding area before the NBI raid.

“The gray Mitsubishi Strada was surreptitiously taken by a group of persons who requested the guard on duty not to log its exit from the impounding area. The guard has issued an affidavit to make formal his claims,” Monsanto said.

During the hearing, Judge Peras granted the request of lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna, counsel of the four HPG policemen, for a copy of the deposition, a recorded out-of-court testimony of witnesses presented by law enforcers in applying for a search warrant.

The judge earlier refused to release the document to avoid “jeopardizing the investigation. The examination of vehicles and documents would be polluted.”

But since the NBI is wrapping up its probe, the judge said it’s about time to give a copy to the lawyer.

Dela Cerna said he’s happy that the court finally granted his plea.

He said he has records to prove that the four policemen were attending official functions in Cebu City when Archival and his companions were ambushed in Dalaguete town, south Cebu.

Dela Cerna said the NBI has changed their theory from “direct participation” of the suspects to simple “conspiracy”.

“That only proves how weak their case is,” he said. /with CNU intern Anie M. Paujana