ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – The preliminary investigation for the multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges filed against the suspects in the ambush on Iligan Rep. Vicente Belmonte’s convoy has been set on March 20 and April 13, a lawyer said yesterday.
Rejoice Subejano, counsel for Belmonte, said 17 persons were linked by the Northern Mindanao Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit and the National Bureau of Investigation in the ambush on Belmonte’s convoy in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental last year.
Among the suspects were Mayor Celso Regencia of this city, businessman Amador Baller, alleged former rebel Rogelio Pitos and his son Rogelio Jr., said to be the owner of the getaway vehicle.
The case has been endorsed to the Department of Justice, which formed a special panel of prosecutors to handle the case.