NBI conducts parallel probe of fiscal’s slay

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has sent its investigators to conduct a parallel probe on the murder of deputy prosecutor Edilbert Mendoza in Cavite on Friday morning.

The NBI dispatched its investigators a day after the incident that occurred in Barangay Cabuco, Trece Martires, according to NBI-Cavite chief Arnie Lazaro.

“Dumating kami sa crime scene malinis na. All (pieces of) evidence were secured and kept by the PNP probers and the SOCO team including bullet shells recovered from the scene of the murder,” Lazaro said, referring to the Philippine National Police and scene of the crime operatives.

Lazaro said the NBI probers would coordinate with the task force created to investigate the Mendoza murder.

“Ang NBI at PNP ay magtutulungan sa imbestigasyon dito upang maagang malutas ang krimen,” Lazaro told The STAR yesterday.

He said that investigators have interviewed the relatives of the victims as well as the witnesses and residents of Barangay Cabuco.

“As of now, we have no motive yet or person/s of interest as well as the identity of the assailants,” Lazaro said.

He said it was Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra who ordered the NBI to conduct a parallel probe.

The task force has yet to gather leads on the case, said Col. Arnold Abad, Cavite police director.

Abad said a land dispute, grudge and Mendoza’s nature of work were being eyed as possible motives for the killing.

“Since there is no office on Saturday and Sunday, we could visit the victim’s office on Monday (today) to look into the nature of the cases that he was handling,” Abad said.

Results of ballistic tests conducted on bullet shells recovered at the crime scene have yet to be released.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said probers have persons of interest, but it was premature to divulge details as it might compromise the investigation.

Mendoza was exercising in front of his house when the suspect shot him from behind, hitting him in the head. He died at the scene.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said it was “saddened and appalled by the treacherous and cold-blooded killing of Mendoza.”

IBP president Burt Estrada condoled with the family and friends of Mendoza, who was an active member of their organization.

The IBP vowed to assist in and monitor the progress of the investigation and prosecution of the case. – Evelyn Macairan