DAVAO CITY -- Investigators looking into the killing of Cebu-based businessman Richard Lim King also tagged Regional Intelligence Unit head Senior Superintendent Leonardo Felonia to the ambush-slay of former Laak mayor Reynaldo Navarro.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday that this was based on a "mission order signed by Felonia" that was taken from the possession of one of the armed men who attacked Navarro's convoy last May 28. Navarro was killed in the attack.
Felonia has been charged with murder for alleged involvement in the killing of King.
"Yung isang namatay doon na tinamaan sa ambush ni Navarro. Huwag lang magalit si Felonia pero yung patay doon merong mission order, pirmado niya. That's why ang NPA (New People's Army) issued a disclaimer na hindi sila. Nakatutok ngayon kay Felonia kasi yung patay, yung wallet niya meron doon M.O (mission order)," Duterte said in an interview after meeting with a Malaysian delegation on the upcoming 8th BIMP-Eaga Games at the Marco Polo Hotel late Wednesday night.
But Duterte was quick to add that carrying a mission order does not necessarily bring any "harm" to anyone.
"Sabi nila. I don't know how true that is. You better check that with the police. Tutal ito totoo naman ito and I don't invent stories. What for? There's no need for me to invent stories," he said.
As for his case, Duterte said he also requests for an M.O since he carries a firearm for protection and security purposes.
"Hindi naman ako pwedeng maglibot na nakahubad, o walang armas," he said.
Pursuant to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Circular Number 2000-016 dated December 11, 2000 as amended by PNP Circular Numbers 2002, 2002-A and 2004-A, members of the PNP are among the authorized persons who can issue mission orders/letter order with provision that may entitle the bearer thereof to carry his issued/licensed firearm and ammunition.
Navarro was on his way to the municipal hall when the convoy that included his vehicle was attacked upon reaching Purok 12, Barangay Sigayen in nearby Asunsion town in Davao del Norte around 9 a.m. of May 28.
Navarro's bodyguards, who were aboard a separate vehicle following behind the official's vehicle, returned fire, fatally hitting two of the attackers.
Duterte refused anew to comment on the alleged involvement of Felonia to King's murder case.
"Again, I am not the proper person. I am not an investigator," he said.
Duterte also dismissed unverified stories that Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Vicente Danao Jr. tagged Felonia into the case due to some "personal and professional issues."
"Danao cannot invent charges against him. Siguro professional (issues) nila pero that could not be a good reason. Mahirap mag imbento ng ganung kaso. I'm sure Danao will not do that. I doubt it," he said.
The DCPO filed a murder case against Felonia on Wednesday.
Felonia was already relieved from his post. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)