NBI to probe Kintanar-Medel link

The National Bureau of Investigation is bent on probing the possible link between murder suspect Philip Medel and a former chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAP) regarding the celebrated Nida Blanca murder case.

NBI spokesman Ric Diaz told reporters yesterday that former ISAFP chief, retired General Galileo Kintanar, might be called by the bureau to execute a statement and answer some questions regarding his alleged link to Medel.

"We have long known about him (Kintanar) but it would be better if he would appear here (NBI) and execute a statement," said Diaz.

Diaz said that though Kintanar had already submitted an affidavit to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group denying his link to Medel, the NBI still needs to secure his statement, and question him as the murder case is jointly being investigated by the NBI and the CIDG.

In a radio interview yesterday, Kintanar admitted having known Medel as an "asset" but denied having knowledge of Medel’s other alleged activities, including his connection to the Blanca murder case.

"I only know him as an asset. An asset is a friend who gives you information. Aside from that, I do not know his other activities. Besides, he himself admitted having links with other agencies," said Kintanar. – Mike Frialde