NFA exec denies poking gun at Biazon kin

A National Food Authority (NFA) official yesterday denied threatening a cousin of Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon with a gun at a parking lot in Alabang Tuesday afternoon.

Though he admitted bringing his .45 caliber pistol with him, Ferdinand Satuito, 63, a resident of Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City, said he did not in any way use the gun to intimidate Jose Solano, 37.

“I didn’t even show my gun to him (Solano). In fact, when I entered the building after we argued, I registered at the logbook and left my firearm with the security guard when he asked me if I have any,” Satuito said.

Earlier reports said Satuito and Solano figured in a heated argument while trying to find a vacant slot at the parking area of the South Center Tower at the Madrigal Business Park.

“There was no available space in the parking lot. I was waiting inside my car with the engine on so that in case someone leaves, I can finally park my car in the area that will immediately be left vacant,” Satuito said.

He added that it was an angry Solano who approached him while he was opening the car door. “He was cursing me,” Satuito said.

He said he was surprised that after the argument, members of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit tried to arrest him.

“I went with them only on the condition that I will drive my own vehicle going to the police station and that my lawyer will accompany,” Satuito said.

He added that he wants Biazon investigated by the House of Representatives ethics committee for showing up at the police station and meddling in the case. Solano, who works for Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, filed a case of grave threats, which has been forwarded to the city prosecutor’s office, against Satuito.

The younger Biazon, meanwhile, dared Satuito to file a case against him and Solano. He said he just showed up at the police station because his cousin needed assistance and the incident took place on the premises of the building where he holds office.

Biazon said he will also have Satuito investigated.

“He was (charged) in a murder case in Manila that was later downgraded to homicide some years ago. The authorities should have been strict in issuing him a license to carry a gun, given his bad record and that he is not psychologically fit to carry such. I will also look into this,” he said.

Biazon was referring to an incident in which Satuito allegedly shot and killed NFA grains operation officer Reynaldo Capunes and injured Romeo Vir, another grains operations officer, in Paco, Manila in November 2004.