Former NCRPO spokesman told us to dump businesswoman's body, ex-cop says

MANILA, Philippines - A dismissed policeman tagged in the murder of a businesswoman, whose body was found in a septic tank in Laguna, yesterday claimed former National Capital Region Police Office spokesman Superintendent Rommel Miranda ordered them to dispose of the body last Jan. 20.

In an interview with reporters, Reginal Regidor Santiago also called on Miranda, whom he accused of killing Leah Angeles Ng, to face the consequences of his actions.

“You have done it (the crime). We have done it. You also have a family, you should just admit it,” Santiago said in Filipino.

Miranda has been transferred to the Philippine National Police –Holding Administrative Office in Camp Crame from his Cebu assignment after he was linked to the kidnap-slay.

Anti-Kidnapping Group chief Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez said Miranda and Ng were business partners for several years.

“Their relationship apparently turned sour. Miranda then contacted Santiago, who invited the two rookie policemen. From a place in Quezon City, Santiago’s group took charge,” Nerez claimed.

Ng died of traumatic injury to the head, apparently caused by a blunt object. 

Santiago recalled that Miranda called him up last Jan. 19 and set a meeting the following day. He said invited Otelio Santos Jr. and Jifford Signap, both rookie policemen of the San Pedro police, to join them.

He said Miranda instructed them to park behind a vehicle where they again waited for 15 to 20 minutes for additional instructions.

When Miranda asked them to enter the vehicle, Santiago said they saw an unconscious Ng at the driver’s seat.

“Tapos yun nga sabi nya sa amin napatay ko na yan. Bahala na kayong mag-ano maglibing, ayusin nyo yan, (Then he told us I killed her, it’s up to you to bury her),” said Santiago.

Santiago said they transferred the woman’s body to the back seat.

He said Miranda alighted somewhere along C-5 Road and they proceeded to San Pedro, where they dumped the body.