Nova Parojinog's daughter says evidence 'planted'

The daughter of Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog on Tuesday insisted that the pieces of evidence against their family were planted by cops.

In a "24 Oras report" by Rida Reyes, Sophia Parojinog voiced her sentiments, saying it was not possible to keep firearms and ammunition because there were children staying inside their house.

"Paano magkakaron ng baril sa likod niyan? Like, mga bata po 'yung nandito. Saka walang lalaki, puro babae lang," Sophia said.

When asked about the drug paraphernalia cops found inside their residence, Sophia said, "Never... never."

In a predawn raid last Sunday, authorities tried to execute six warrants to search the houses of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, his daughter Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez, Board Member Parojinog, City Councilor Ricardo Parojinog, and one other person for loose firearms.

Police said the Parojinogs' security fired shots at them, resulting in an encounter and deathof 16 individuals, including Mayor Parojinog; his wife, Susan; and his brother, Provincial Board Member Octavio Parojinog.

Nova Princess and her brother Reynaldo Jr., were brought to Manila and underwent inquest proceedings at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

The Parojinog siblings are facing a complaint of violation of Section 11 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (possession of dangerous drugs) and Section 21 of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (acquisition or purchase and sale of firearms and ammunition).

They were also charged with violation of Section 3-A of Republic Act 9516 or "unlawful manufacture, sales, acquisition, disposition, importation or possession of a part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used for the manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery or detonation."

Good leaders

Supporters of the Parojinogs expressed sadness over the incident, claiming the family members were good leaders to their constituents.

"Hindi namin akalain na ganyan ang ano, dinanas niyang pagkamatay niya. Grabe parang massacre eh. Masakit para sa amin, kadugo namin sila. Ang laki ng tinulong ng pamilya nila sa amin," one supporter said.

"Nasaktan po at nanghihinayang... mabuti naman po si Mayor sa amin," another supporter added.

Earlier, second ranking councilor Girlet Luansing was named acting mayor of the city.

Luansing vowed to do her duties and responsibilities well despite the speedy transition.

"Governance has to continue. Otherwise there will be vacuum. Siyempre may transition and I have to orient myself with the job of executive kasi legislator lang ako. But there's no problem with that," Luansing said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST, GMA News