DOJ starts preliminary investigation into Ortega murder case

MANILA, Philippines –  The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started its preliminary investigation into the murder case filed by the family of slain broadcaster Gerry Ortega in Palawan against former provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias and other suspects.

In a press conference, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III said the DOJ has created a panel of three prosecutors to handle the case filed by Ortega’s widow, Patria Gloria.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edwin Dayog chairs the panel with Assistant State Prosecutors Bryan Jacinto Cacha and John Benedict Medina as members.

“We will go wherever the evidence will lead us,” Baraan said. Baraan also chairs the DOJ task force on Human Rights and Extrajudicial Killings. 

The DOJ official also said they are now studying a request for issuance of hold departure order against Seratubias and other respondents in the murder case.

Seratubias was named respondent in the case because the gun used in the murder was allegedly registered in his same. He denied involvement in Ortega’s killing and claimed that he had long sold the firearm.

The DOJ moved to start the preliminary investigation even if the National Bureau of Investigation has yet to conclude its own probe on the killing.

“The NBI has not yet concluded their investigation because I think they were still completing some documents. But results of their probe will be incorporated to the preliminary investigation here,” explained Baraan.

Baraan said alleged gunman Marlon Recamata alias Marvin Alcaraz and the two suspects now in the custody of NBI – Rodolfo Edrad and Nonoy Regalado – would be covered by the preliminary investigation as respondents.

Edrad surrendered to the NBI last weekend and admitted hiring the gunman, reportedly upon instructions from former Palawan governor Joel Reyes, the alleged mastermind in the killing. Reyes has since denied the allegation. Ortega ran against Reyes in the gubernatorial election in 2004, but police believe Ortega’s killing could be related to his active campaign against mining in the province.

Asked if Reyes would be included in the preliminary investigation, Baraan said it would depend on the results of the NBI probe.

Meanwhile in Palawan, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn announced the arrest of fifth suspect Armando Noel Loria, alias Junjun Salbakuta in Donsol, Sorsogon.

“Loria was arrested in Donsol, Sorsogon, and now under the custody of the Quezon Provincial Police. Loria was reportedly the one who contacted the gunman, he was a key player in the murder of Ortega,” Hagedorn said in a radio interview.

Senior Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, director of the Quezon Provincial Police Office, said Loria was arrested at 2:30 p.m. in his hideout in Barangay Banuang Gurang, Donsol town in Sorsogon.

Reyes’ denial

Reyes said his being linked to Ortega’s killing was part of Hagedorn’s demolition job against him.

In a press conference at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel, Reyes said it was Hagedorn who launched a “well orchestrated” scheme to link him to the murder.

“It now appears that it was a well-funded, well-orchestrated politically motivated operation and that is precisely why it is puzzling why a well-known political figure in the province of Palawan, from the beginning has been the spokesman of the family, the suspects and the investigators,” he said.

When asked if he was referring to Mayor Hagedorn, Reyes replied, “yes.”

“That is what is coming out in the press, even the latest witness surrendered to him… Magkano ang dahilan para ituro ako (How much was it worth to implicate me?)… If we would read the newspapers, it is as if we have already been sentenced (of committing the crime).”

Reyes said he believes his being dragged into the case is politically motivated.

“It is very clear that they are making an early demolition job. The next election is still in year 2013. Why are they afraid of me? Maybe they are angry with me because I beat Hagedorn in the 2001 elections.” – With Evelyn Macairan, Cecille Suerte Felipe nd Michelle Zoleta