NBI wraps up probe on store mauling case

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation is wrapping up their investigation on the death of Mario Alfie Ducayag, who was accused of shoplifting.

Lawyer Antonio Pagatpat, regional director of the NBI-7 said their investigation is almost done. Pagatpat said they are just waiting for the complaint-affidavit of Fe Soledad, the victim’s mother, so that they can file the criminal complaint.

“Hindi siya masyadong kailangan pero inaantay natin baka may ibang ebidensya sila doon na to bolster the case. (We are waiting for the mother’s complaint-affidavit because it may also have evidence to bolster the case),” he said adding it was the private lawyer of the Ducayag who drafted the said document.

Lawyer Bernard dela Cruz, the agent handling the case, said it has been nearly two weeks since he asked for the complaint-affidavit but until now and after following it up, none was submitted.

A case conference will be held today at the Office of the NBI.

After the case conference and after Soledad submits her complaint-affidavit, Pagatpat said their office can file criminal complaint against those responsible for the death of Mario Alfie, 23, a resident of Tuyan, Naga City, Cebu.

Mario Alfie died on April 12, 2013. He was accused of shoplifting a pair of Sandugo Sandals in a mall. He was apprehended by the guard and brought to the investigation room where he was reportedly mauled.

Based on the autopsy report of NBI medico-legal officer Dr. Rene Cam, the victim’s cause of death was traumatic nape injury or the dislocation of his cervical vertebrae C1 and C2.

As of the moment, de la Cruz refused to divulge the names of the suspects and the case to be filed before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.— /MIT (FREEMAN)