THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 began its investigation on the murder of Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III.
Lawyer Dominador Cimafranca, NBI 7 director, said they immediately started their investigation after Blanco’s family sent a request letter to their office last week.
Cimafranca said they are gathering information and interviewing the two watchmen that encountered Blanco’s assailants on the day he was murdered.
The two watchmen, who served as contractual employees of the town, reportedly disappeared a day after Blanco was murdered.
Officials of the Ronda Municipal Government said they initially gave the two watchmen a chance to stay at home for a while to ease their stress.
Aside from the NBI 7, the local police and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) are securing the testimonies of the two watchmen.
Cimafranca said they have yet to determine a possible lead in the crime.
He said they have yet to know if there are CCTV cameras near the municipal hall.
Cimafranca clarified that their investigation will be coordinated with that of the Police Regional Office 7’s Special Investigative Task Group (SITG), which was formed to solve Blanco’s murder.
Cimafranca said they have no intention to compete with the PNP’s investigation. They only want to coordinate as a way to quickly solve the case.
In Ronda, local officials are still trying to determine who will take the last seat in the municipal council after it became vacant following Blanco’s death.
Ronda Mayor Rocky Gabatan said the administration party has yet to decide who to pick to occupy the last seat in the council.
Following Blanco’s death, Gabatan was appointed as mayor while next in line, Aroy Llego, was also appointed as vice mayor. (JKV)