Suspect in DOJ aide's slay to turn state witness

MANILA, Philippines - One of 10 UV Express van robbery suspects is set to testify on the killing of a close-in aide of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas said yesterday.

He said the suspect, who was not identified, will tell how Alister Quintos was killed and his body dumped in Bulacan last May. Rojas asked the Parañaque police to turn the suspect over to NBI custody so the bureau can proceed with its investigation of Quintos’ death.

A Mitsubishi Adventure (TXO-215), in which Quintos was reportedly killed, was recovered in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City on Oct. 9. The 10 robbery suspects reportedly used a fake UV Express van to trap and rob passengers.