QC Prosecutor's Office issues subpoena against Ted Failon

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office on Friday issued a subpoena against television news anchor Ted Failon (Mario Teodoro Failon Etong) in connection with the obstruction of justice complaint filed by the Quezon City police over the shooting incident that killed Failon's wife, Trinidad Arteche Etong. At the same time, GMA News' John Consulta reported over QTV's Balitanghali that the fiscal also ordered the release of Failon's sister-in-law Pamela Arteche and helper Carlota Morbos, who were accused of the same crime along with three others. The subpoena against Failon was issued following the broadcaster's failure to appear at the inquest proceedings on the incident. Meanwhile, the fiscal ordered the release of Arteche and Morbos after finding insufficient evidence against them. The two were arrested along with three others - Pacifico Apacible, Wilfreda Bollester and driver Glen Polan - on Thursday night over the obstruction of justice charge. The three others remain under the custody of authorities. Failon's camp said they are pleased with the fiscal's decision to release Arteche and Morbos, and added that they will return to the prosecutor's office later in the day to post the P12,000 bail bond for the three. Failon was charged with obstruction of justice for his failure to immediately report the incident to police and for "disturbing" the crime scene. According to investigators, the gun allegedly used in the shooting passed hands, making it hard for the police to reconstruct the crime scene. Failon had also earlier refused to give up his mobile phone to police, which police said was vital to the investigation, the television report said. Member of Failon's household were charged for the same crime after they admitted cleaning the bathroom where Failon's wife was found. Polan, on the other hand, removed the blood stains in the Pajero vehicle. Arteche was included as co-accused because she refused to have her sister undergo paraffin test. Police conducted a paraffin test on Etong shortly after she passed away Thursday night. Paraffin tests conducted over the past two days found Failon, his household help, and even his late wife negative of gunfire residue. Police said they are not discounting the possibility that Etong committed suicide as claimed by the broadcaster, particularly since she supposedly left a letter expressing remorse over a problem between the couple. Failon had earlier said he and his wife had some financial troubles. - GMANews.TV