Nida’s daughter submits new evidence to NBI

Nida Blanca’s daughter Katherine "Kay" Torres submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday several documents believed to be vital to the investigation into the actress’ Nov. 7 murder.

Accompanied by her lawyer, Torres also formally requested the NBI to lead the probe, which used to be handled by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection group (PNP-CIDG).

"I wish to reiterate my request for the NBI to take over the case of my mother and submit results within a reasonable period of time," she said.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco refused to reveal yesterday contents of the documents submitted by Torres.

"These documents will become necessary in the course of the investigation, Wycoco said.

The spokesman for Task Force Marsha, which used to handle the probe into the murder of the versatile actress, challenged yesterday suspect Philip Medel Jr. to face him in a "one-on-one" lie detector test to disprove accusations that he was involved in torturing the self-confessed killer.

PNP Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina also refuted Medel’s claims that he took part in the abduction of another slay suspect, Mike Martinez.

"I want to go to the NBI right now to undergo the polygraph tests. We’ll go one-on-one under the supervision of Director Wycoco to find out who is really telling the truth," a fuming Espina told a press conference yesterday.

The PNP official, known for his cool disposition, said he just wants to clear his name.

"I am sorry, but I am just enraged by all this. My only role here is as spokesperson. What he (Medel) is saying is below the belt. This is just too much," Espina said.

Medel had admitted killing Blanca on Nov. 7 upon orders by her American husband Rod Lauren Strunk. He claimed Martinez was the person contacted by Strunk to murder the actress.

However, Medel recanted his confession last week, claiming he was tortured by the police to admit the crime. In a recent television interview, the suspect claimed Espina hit him when he was in the safehouse with Martinez.

Espina said he cannot let such statements pass without suing his accuser.

"I am now consulting with my legal adviser on what charges to file against this person. But what I really want is for him to take a polygraph test with me," he said.

Medel was subjected to a battery of tests yesterday at the NBI to determine his mental and psychiatric condition.

A team of psychiatrists, which started off with a series of neuro-psychiatric examinations, said testing will take at least two days.

During a break from testing, the suspect said he is not asking for mercy but for understanding, especially from his detractors.

"I hope and pray the Lord will help me so the people with bad impressions of me will be enlightened," Medel said.

PNP fully behind accused officers

PNP community relations chief Director Thompson Lantion said the police organization will stand by its men despite apparent attacks on their integrity and calls for Task Force Marsha chief Director Nestorio Gualberto to resign.

"We stand by our officers. Yes, there are some people saying they doubt what transpired, which is why we have an official inquiry from the National Police Commission (Napolcom)," Lantion said.

The Napolcom has started its in-depth probe into Medel’s claims that he was tortured by members of the CIDG into falsely admitting that he committed the murder.

The investigation was ordered by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr., the concurrent Napolcom chairman, pursuant to the body’s mandate to administer and control the PNP.

In a letter signed by Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rogelio Pureza, Napolcom requested the NBI for copies of the results of the medical/physical, neuro-psychiatric, polygraph and drug tests on Medel.

In another letter, Pureza asked Medel for his affidavit-complaint containing the names or descriptions of the police officers involved in torturing him.

He stressed that the current government administration is "premised on transparency in governance."

Napolcom has created a three-man panel chaired by Director Antonio Salazar of inspection, monitoring and investigation service, with Director Bernardo Calibo of personnel and administrative service and lawyer Ferdaussi Masnar of the legal affairs service as members.

The committee has been given 10 days within which to submit the results of the investigation into Medel’s allegations.