DoJ urged to reopen probe on Esperat killing, zero-in on masterminds

The sister of slain journalist Marlene Esperat has asked the Department of Justice to reopen the investigation on the murder and reinstate two key suspects who are believed to be the masterminds behind the killing. In a 37-page letter-complaint, Valmi Garcia-Mariveles, Esperat’s sister, asked Acting Justice secretary Agnes Devanadera to order another preliminary investigation on suspects Osmena Montaner and Estrella Sabay who are both tagged as masterminds behind the murder. "(I)t is respectfully prayed that a preliminary investigation be conducted so that the masterminds who got away with murder be reinstated as accused in this case and that warrants of arrest against them be issued in order that the truth would not be buried along with my sister's dead body," Mariveles said. In her letter, Mariveles insisited that there is sufficient evidence against Montaner and Sabay to warrant the finding of probable cause and should be held for trial. "The murder of (my sister), like the murder of other persons who tried to expose the widespread graft and corrupt practices in DA Region 12, shows specific intent, plan, system, scheme, habit and/or custom of Osmena Montaner in dealing with persons who do not conform with their graft and corrupt practices," Mariveles said. Montaner – chief finance officer of Department of Agriculture-Region 12, and Sabay – his chief accountant, were earlier dropped from the roll of respondents by the Cebu City regional trial court for lack of evidence linking them to three other accused who were found guilty for Esperat's murder. The court sentenced to 40 years in prison ex-Sgt. Estanislao Bismanos, alias Jun; Gerry Cabayag, the confessed triggerman; and Randy Grecia, alias Jeck, who acted as look-out. Another accused turned state witness, Rowie Barua, an ex-military intelligence officer who acted as coordinator, was acquitted. In her letter, Mariveles said the "incontrovertible" testimonies of Barua and Estellita Jardino, an accountant at the Agricultural Training Institute, prove Montaner and Sabay's participation in the killing. Esperat, who was columnist of the Midland Review, was brutally shot by three suspects on the evening of March 24, 2005 inside her home in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. The killing was even witness by her two children, who positively identified the gunmen. - GMANews.TV