Decena seeks DOJ help vs ex-PNP official

MANILA, Philippines - Businesswoman Cristina Decena went to the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday to seek help against a former business partner, a retired police official, whom she accused of masterminding the ambush on her last week.

Behind closed doors, Decena met with Secretary Leila de Lima and named Manuel Dasig and his wife, Imelda, as the ones who ordered the attack on her. Dasig was reportedly with the Bulacan police when he retired with the rank of chief inspector.

Two men – dismissed policeman Henry Quinones and Edgardo Binalla – have been arrested in connection with the slay try. Quinones held the rank of Police Officer 1 and was with the Special Action Force when he was dismissed.

“She truly fears for her life and safety and that of her family, that’s why she’s asking for help,” the DOJ chief told reporters after their meeting. 

“The alleged masterminds are now being investigated by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” she added.

De Lima said the two suspects who were arrested last week have already been subjected to inquest proceedings before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Decena said she sought help from the DOJ so it could focus on her case and run after those behind the failed ambush.

She again claimed that her rift with Dasig started from a title to a P200-million real estate property he refused to return.

 â€œI’ve been getting death threats from them, but I don’t pay attention to that because all I’m concerned with is to collect what they owe me. I’m just seeking justice. I never thought they could do this to me,” she said in a separate interview.

Decena, who became prominent due to her previous relationship with veteran actor Phillip Salvador, said she has hired two personal guards.

She said her children will fly to the United States so she could focus on her “battle” with the Dasig couple.

Decena had just had lunch at a restaurant in Quezon City when two men on a motorcycle shot at them last Aug. 14. Her son, Dan, who was driving the van, hit the gunmen’s motorcycle, forcing the attackers to flee on foot until they commandeered a tricycle and sped toward Manila.

A surveillance camera caught the attack. The arrested suspects are alleged members of a gun-for-hire syndicate, police said.