THE Davao City Police Office is conducting a deeper investigation, wherein after its press conference yesterday, July 4 and as of presstime, there was still no case filed against a doctor-non-uniformed person of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao.
The doctor, who was the suspect in a shooting at a bar, requested a preliminary investigation through his lawyer, according to DCPO.
At around 1 p.m. yesterday, DCPO director PCol. Alberto Lupaz faced the press people and answered queries regarding the development of the case.
The Davao City police chief said they are protecting both sides, that is why they could not provide detailed information to the public because they are mandated by the involved parties’ lawyers.
Col. Lupaz said that they could not precede with the decision of the fiscal and the prosecution thus, they will wait for the result and the mandate of the legal authorities as they continue to conduct investigation.
He also relayed the mandate of the PRO-Davao to the DCPO, which is to prepare all the affidavit and that they have to stand by the truth.
"Ang region naman sinabi sa amin na dapat ang mga affidavit properly done, at kami standing for the truth at walang panigan sa both sides," Col. Lupaz said during the short press conference at his office.
Meanwhile, Col. Lupaz revealed that they intentionally did not release the mugshots of the 31-year-old suspect for his security, due to their investigation, and in accordance with the mandate of his lawyer.
"Hindi pa napalabas ang mugshot photo, for security reasons; puwede naman, pero mag-depende sa ilang mga lawyers (we can release it but it still depends on their lawyers)," Col. Lupaz said.
He added that they could not continue the relief of the station commander of the San Pedro Police Station, who is PMaj. Benkalin Baluan, since the investigation of the case continues.
"As of now, dili ta mag-relib, kay maputol ilang responsibility, dili ta mag-relib og chief of police [COP] unless ma-clear na ang case (we won’t relieve them, because it would hamper their responsibilities, we won’t relieve a chief of police unless the case is already cleared)," Lupaz said.
At 3:30 p.m. yesterday, the DCPO released a statement on the reasons why a case has not been filed against the suspect.
"After he [suspect] waived Art. 125, he will be given 10 days to submit his counter affidavit with controverting evidence. From there, i-resolve sa fiscal whether there is probable cause to indict him for either murder or homicide or as the case maybe," according to the statement through DCPO spokesperson Police Major Ma. Theresita Gaspan.
She added that the suspect’s counter affidavit will be submitted in time for the filing of the case against him.
It can be recalled that seven bullets killed a 21-year-old bar-goer who was reportedly trying to pacify a group in a feud inside a bar premises in Camus Street, Davao City last Saturday, July 2. JPC