Monday, July 30, 2007 Fiscal optimistic murder probe to be held in Cebu
FOR Cebu City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon, the petition of the suspect in the murder of former Sta. Fe mayor Rogelio Ilustrisimo Sr. to transfer the preliminary investigation to Manila is good as dismissed.
Arnulfo Pigon’s petition was overtaken by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’s verbal order for them to proceed with the resolution of the case, so his petition is now “moot and academic.”
Sellon said that when Gonzalez gave the go signal for him to resolve the case, the justice secretary has also dismissed the petition of Pigon.
“It is clear as water,” said Sellon.
In his verbal order coursed though Tessie dela Calzada, Gonzalez did not mention on whether the petition was dismissed.
Dela Calzada, a staff member of Sellon, flew to Manila to inquire from the Department of Justice whether they can resolve the case, which is already ripe for resolution but could not be touched while awaiting word from the department.
Sun.Star Cebu earlier called Gonzalez to clarify the matter but he said he still has to check the facts of the case.
Pigon, in his petition, cited threats to his life but when the justice department asked for the prosecutors comment regarding the matter, Sellon said he is “totally unaware” of the alleged threats. (KNT)
