Spanish businessman’s case revived after cops’ surrender — DOJ

The case of Spanish businessman Diego Bello Lafuente has been revived after the policemen allegedly involved in his death surrendered, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday.

According to the agency, the three cops surrendered to the DOJ on February 9.

They were escorted by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat Jr. to the DOJ.

The DOJ said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla asked for an account of the events from the policemen during a brief meeting. He also explained the framework within which the case will be tried.

“Wala ako[ng] maipapangako maliban sa isang patas na pagsusuri sa inyong kaso (I can’t promise anything except a fair trial),” Remulla was quoted as saying in a statement.

“Nakabatay ang desisyon ng prosecutor sa ebidensya (the prosecutor’s decision depends on the evidence),” he added.

Lafuente, an alleged drug dealer, was killed during an anti-drug operation in 2020 in Siargao.

In defense, the police claimed that Lafuente pulled a gun on them.

Lafuente’s case came to a halt when the policemen involved disappeared after arrest warrants were issued against them. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News