EDITORIAL - 19 years of waiting

How long do Filipinos have to wait for justice? For the relatives of Philippine Navy Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño, the wait has taken 19 years so far, and they may have to wait another two decades to establish the truth about his death. Yesterday, eight of 10 Navy officers indicted for Pestaño’s death were finally arraigned. Two other defendants are at large.

The eight, including three commanders and two lieutenant commanders, pleaded not guilty. If they are innocent, they themselves should push for a speedy trial. Being indicted for murdering a fellow officer can destroy a military career and one’s reputation for life. The accused should want this case out of the way with finality ASAP.

Pestaño was found dead from a gunshot to the head in his cabin on the Navy cargo ship BRP Bacolod in September 1995. The Navy said Pestaño committed suicide, but his relatives said he had learned that the ship was being used to transport illegal logs with the approval of his superiors. Since then the case has dragged along, with the arraignment finally pushing through yesterday at the Manila Regional Trial Court.

The truth about certain crimes can come to light only after several decades or even centuries. But generally, the passage of time can make a crime investigation more difficult. Apart from giving criminals the opportunity to escape, pieces of evidence can be lost or degraded to such an extent that they are rendered useless. Memories of witnesses are dulled and can become unreliable.  

The Philippine Navy itself has been tarnished by Pestaño’s case, and should want it resolved with finality as quickly as possible. Prosecutors and the Manila court must be up to the task. The wait has been long enough.