CEBU CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation has begun its probe on the murder of Misamis Occidental’s Clarin town Mayor David Navarro after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered police authorities to step aside and let the NBI do its investigation.
Navarro, who was arrested by the police late last month for beating a masseur here, had been killed in an ambush on his way to the court despite having police security. The attack also wounded 2 policemen and two of Navarro’s security men.
The mayor was accused by Duterte as being involved in the illegal drug trade, an allegation he strongly denied when he was still alive.
The Department of Justice also confirmed that the NBI is now handling the murder case. “Given the circumstances surrounding the killing of Clarin Mayor Navarro, the President’s directive for the NBI to take over the investigation of the incident should quell any doubts regarding this government’s commitment to solve the case and bring to account those responsible,” DOJ spokesman Markk Perete said.
Duterte said he wants an impartial investigation into the killing of Navarro to ensure fairness. “It’s being investigated by the NBI. Mas gusto ko ang NBI na lang para walang, kasi nung nangyari ‘yan, may kasamang pulis eh. To make it really fair.” “I would like the police to terminate their investigation and hand it to the NBI, whatever documents and or proof or evidence that they have in their hands,” he said.
Local police said a criminal syndicate may have ordered the hit on Navarro. The mayor’s family did not release any statement to the press. Extrajudicial killings are not uncommon in Cebu, and carried out by motorcycle gunmen with most of the victims were people with links or suspected of having links to the illegal drug trade. (Cebu Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: The Mindanao Examiner
Like Us on Facebook: The Zamboanga Post
Follow Us on Twitter: Mindanao Examine
Read And Share Our News: Mindanao Examiner Website
Mirror Site: Mindanao Examiner Blog
Digital Archives: Mindanao Examiner Digital
Media Rates: Advertising Rates
20
