ABS-CBN given until Wednesday to explain stampede

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday gave ABS-CBN executives until only Wednesday to explain the circumstances that turned the first year anniversary of the game show “Wowowee" into a stampede that killed more than 70 persons and injured hundreds. NBI-National Capital Region chief Ruel Lasala set the deadline as he rejected a petition by ABS-CBN lawyer Regis Puno that he be given one week to prepare the network’s officials and personnel for the investigation. Puno also said he needed time to prepare documentary evidence they need to submit to the NBI. The NBI invited six personnel of ABS-CBN to attend today’s hearing. They are Norly Nueva, executive producer; Marilou Almaden, production manager; Owen Garcia, segment producer; Rey Cayabyab, location manager; Harold James Nueva, associate producer and Rene Luspo, head security officer. ABS-CBN vice-president for entertainment Charo Santos-Concio and actor Willie Revillame have also been summoned for tomorrow’s (Tuesday) hearing. Revillame hosts ABS-CBN's noontime show "Wowowee," which celebrated its first anniversary last February 4. Thousands of people lined up at the Philippine Sports Commission days before the anniversary, lured by the offer of huge prizes, when the tragedy happened. with reports from INQ7-GMANews.TV