Ballesteros takes polygraph test

CEBU, Philippines - He says he was scared and confirms he had to take it twice for moving much.

Although “scared for having it the first time” in his life, Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros took the polygraph test at the office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 yesterday in relation to the disappearance of P1.6 million from their office.

Ballesteros also confirmed reports that polygraph examiner Zari Zamora had to a second test on him because he was moving his leg too much during the first time.

The SFI director said he has a mannerism of moving his heel up and down the floor while sitting down.

Ballesteros added that he also requested the other guards on duty during the incident to take the lie detector test.

Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) executive director Eldibrando Velasquez, who also had the test yesterday, said it went on smoothly for him.

“I felt nothing,” Velasquez said when asked if he was scared during the test. Velasquez sees the test as an opportunity for him to clear his name.

“I feel happy that they included me in the test,” Velasquez said.

Zamora said Joselyndon Jabagat has yet to undergo the polygraph test because they need court order for this.

Jabagat is facing charges before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office (CCPO) for qualified theft, being the guard on duty when the burglary took place. He is now detained at the CCPO detention cell.

Five other personnel had taken the test ahead of Ballesteros and Velasquez.

NBI Assistant Regional Director Lauro Reyes said the test results will be forwarded to their Central Office for signing by higher officials before these will be turned over to the police.

 In a separate development, Reyes said the NBI 7 office will continue its daily operations despite the fact that NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula was removed from his post.

 “Ang sa amin lang ginagawa namin ang trabaho namin, dito sa amin walang problema,” he said.  (FREEMAN)