HPG-7 officer denies involvement in Archival slay

CEBU, Philippines - One of the Highway Patrol Group-7 officers reportedly linked to the death of lawyer Noel Archival denied allegations against him and stood firm that he has nothing against the “friendly and professional” lawyer.

The National Bureau of Investigation subpoenaed HPG-7 chief Supt. Romualdo Iglesia, Chief Insp. Eduardo Mara, HPG-7 operations officer Sr. Insp. Joselito Lerion and SPO4 Edwin Galan for questioning over the recovered vehicle allegedly used in the crime under their custody.

Mara was emotional when he shared the effects the allegations have caused his family.

He recalled how friendly Archival was to him when they met during the case hearing against Jovel Entote who was arrested by HPG-7 for qualified carnapping in 2012.

“Gitagaan pa gani ko niya og tubig kay gipangkapoy mi ato,” he said.

Mara said he has not received any death threats and guaranteed he is telling the truth since he has no reason to hold a grudge against Archival.

“Nganong mahadlok man ko? Di siguro na maabot sa akong huna-huna unless naa ko’y gibuhat. God knows,” he said.

He said that he is speaking for himself and is not aware of the sentiments of his colleagues who are also implicated in the case.

He clarified that Iglesia is in Manila for an official travel while the remaining officers are still in Cebu but may not be that visible for security reasons.

Mara further appealed to the investigators to clarify those who are really involved in a particular case so as not to damage someone else’s reputation.

“Mao na’y pinakabug-at ang mapasanginlan ta. Once ma-tarnish ang reputation, maglisod na ta og bawi,” he said.

He also said that once they will be put under camp restriction as requested by Councilor Gerardo Carillo, he would welcome the order and assured them he would not leave the country.

Earlier, Police Regional Office-7 director, Chief Superintendent Danilo Constantino, said that they are saddened that some HPG-7 officials are tagged in the killing of Archival.

But he added that the allegation should not prevent the officers to fulfill their responsibilities even with the existing investigation.

He advised the HPG-7 personnel not to be affected since it has not yet been proven and the impounded car is still subject for investigation.

“The best way for them is to answer the issues squarely and to present evidences and witnesses to counter the allegations against them,” Constantino said. —/ATO (FREEMAN)