Thursday, November 30, 2006 Ex-police official denies hand in bodyguard's murder By Ben O. Tesiorna
RETIRED Senior Superintendent Jorge Aquisap finally broke his silence on the accusation involving him in the death of Rico Condino, bodyguard of Davao del Sur Representative Douglas Ra Cagas.
Aquisap commented on the issue four days after the murder charges were filed against him and five others for their alleged involvement in the murder of Condino last November 10 in Digos City.
In a text message, Aquisap said he has yet to see the full account of the affidavit of complaint filed against them before he makes an official statement.
He added though that he is certain that a "fading politician" is the one orchestrating the malicious charges against him.
"The charge is the product of concoction brought about by the malicious manipulation of a lousy and fading politician," Aquisap said.
Cagas meanwhile just laughed off Aquisap's statement advising the former police official to get a good lawyer since he will surely have his day in court.
"The case was built up and filed by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), not by a politician, whether lousy/fading or smart/blooming. I don't know Aquisap from Adam but may I advice him to get a good lawyer," Cagas said.
Aquisap was said to be the handler of the five assassins who killed Condino.
The NBI-Southern Mindanao filed the murder charges against Aquisap last week before the Digos City Prosecutor's Office.
Other named as respondents were: Tony Hilario, Ricky Dizon, and Dean Banares. Charged as accomplice were Antonio Hilares and Romeo Alcala, the owner of the safe house and motorcycle used by the suspects.
The respondents allegedly conspired with assassins Everit Prince Cuison, Aaron Ballarda, and Richard Lumbre alias Poloy who were all killed in a shootout with responding policemen after the incident.
