Cops to start probe of Revilla’s son shooting

MANILA, Philippines - Muntinlupa police investigators were finally allowed to visit Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center to begin their probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident last Saturday inside the Revilla residence in Ayala Alabang.

Police Sr. Supt. Allan Nobleza, Muntinlupa City police chief, said Revilla’s family has turned over the .40-caliber Glock pistol that he was supposedly cleaning when he reportedly accidentally shot himself.

“Yes, we already have custody of the .40-caliber Glock,” Nobleza told The STAR.

He said investigators are now meeting with possible witnesses but declined to give further details of the ongoing probe.

The police probers are composed of members from the Scene of Crime Office (SOCO), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Muntinlupa City police office.

According to police sources, the pistol will be subjected to ballistic examination and Revilla will undergo a paraffin test to determine if he indeed fired the gun.

But lawyer Raymond Fortun, spokesman for the Revilla family, said a paraffin test on the vice governor is too late.

“Kinda late. (The paraffin test) should have been done within 24 hours,” Fortun said in a text message to The STAR.

He did not elaborate but he earlier said that the Revilla family would cooperate with the police investigation as soon as Revilla’s medical condition stabilizes.

He said the latest medical results showed that Revilla has cracked ribs and bone fragments were found inside his body. His lower left and upper right lungs were partially collapse.

Fortun released the medical bulletin to reporters, saying that the test results have “ruled out any urgent condition.”

But he clarified that the partial collapse of Revilla’s lungs is dangerous “if not subjected to medical attention.”

Following the release of the medical bulletin yesterday, the vice governor’s father, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. has decided not to ask the Sandiganbayan for another furlough, as his presence may no longer be needed in the hospital.

“He (Bong) really just wanted some assurance, to talk to the doctors to make sure that they will take care of his son,” Fortun said.