NBI to file Gaisano mauling case next week

CEBU, Philippines - National Bureau of Investigation-7 Regional Director Antonio Pagatpat said the filing of the complaints against those who allegedly mauled Mario Alfie Ducayag in the Metro Gaisano Colon will be for next week.

He said it was Tuesday afternoon when he received the report of agent Bernard dela Cruz relative to the investigation he conducted in the death of Mario Alfie.

Last Wednesday afternoon, Pagatpat said he met Fe Soledad and Marie Shantyle, the mother and sister of the victim, respectively, in his office and asked them for five working days to review the documents before filing appropriate charges against the assailants.

"Give me time to review. Babasahin ko pa ang report…thereafter, I will make a recommendation," he said.

During the talks with the family, he said they did not raise any complaints regarding the investigation conducted by Dela Cruz.

Meanwhile, Pagatpat said they already received the standard operating procedure manual from the management of Metro Gaisano Colon. While the manual did detail how to handle shoplifters, Pagatpat, however, did not say whether or not the apprehension of Mario Alfie was legal.

Yesterday, the Ducayag family conducted a prayer rally from Plaza Independencia going to Metro Gaisano Colon. The said activity, according to Fe Soledad, was to mark 40 days since her son died.

The family is calling for justice.

Cerwin Eviota, spokesperson of Metro Gaisano Colon, said the act of the Ducayag Family in conducting a prayer rally was an expression of their right to freedom of expression.

Mario Alfie, 23, a resident of Tuyan, Naga City, was accused of shoplifting a pair of Sandugo Sandals, then allegedly beaten until he died. (FREEMAN)