NBI files murder raps vs Laoag City mayor

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed murder charges yesterday against the mayor of Laoag City with the Department of Justice for the Feb. 2 gunslaying of his vice mayor.

NBI director Reynaldo Wycoco said the murder case against Mayor Michael Fariñas was an "offshoot" of the statement given by Laoag City councilor Melvin de la Cuesta implicating Fariñas in the death of Vice Mayor Jimmy Chua.

De la Cuesta was himself charged with obstruction of justice and dereliction of duty, along with Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, Laoag City police chief; SPO3 Arthur Mateo, the chief investigator; and Inspector Teddy Rosqueta.

Also accused of obstructing justice were Gladys Madamda, a gasoline station cashier, and Jun Olidan, Lilian Lorenzo, Analyn Pascual, Michelle Agustin and Beth Bordey, all employees of Eagle’s Nest Restaurant where Chua was shot dead.

Wycoco said they have recommended that De la Cuesta be placed under the government’s witness protection program but that they had to include him in the charge sheet.

He said the NBI will also file administrative charges against Pagdilao and his two men with the National Police Commission.

Wycoco said they also plan to request for hold departure orders for Fariñas and the other respondents.

Based on the findings of NBI forensic experts, Wycoco said Chua was found to have been shot dead inside the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant, contrary to earlier reports that he was attacked outside the place by motorcycle-riding men.

Teresita Ang See, of the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order, said the Laoag City police had covered up for the shooting.

Up to now, See said Chua’s family has not received any report about his killing from the local police. She accompanied Chua’s siblings Edison and Honelyn to Wycoco’s office yesterday to get an update on the case.

Reports said Chua and Fariñas had an argument inside the restaurant, after which the mayor pulled out a pistol and shot the former. Pagdilao and De la Cuesta were around when the incident happened.

Witnesses said Chua dared Fariñas to shoot him which the latter did.

See said the verbal tussle between Fariñas and Chua was possibly triggered by the latter’s refusal to support Fariñas’ programs in the city council.

Chua also reportedly ordered the closure of a cockpit which the Fariñas clan allegedly owned.

"He (Chua) ran as an independent. He died for his principle and ran against a political dynasty," See said.

Fariñas earlier denied the accusation and said he was ready to face an investigation to clear his name.