NBI asked for 2nd opinion on Boracay killing

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The family of a victim killed over the land dispute in this resort island is seeking the second opinion of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), citing a possible “foul play" in the investigation of the case. Boracay police investigator PO1 Jackson Jauod Jr. said they welcome the family’s move since the Aklan Provincial Prosecutors Office recommended the filing of a homicide case instead of murder charges against the suspects. Police have identified the suspects in the case as retired Iloilo Jail Warden Police Senior Supt. Juan Mabugat Jr. and security guards Romulo Tagud, Jhenry Bolongan, Reagan Pancho, and Rommel Gotera. At the time of the incident, Mabugat served as the regional manager of the 3rd Alert Security Agency based in Iloilo. Last June, Mabugat headed a team of ten security guards after they were contracted by an influential family to drive away the victim, Rexcess Mariano, from the disputed lot in sitio Upper Pinaungon, barangay Balabag Boracay. But a resolution penned by 3rd Provincial Prosecutor Ronaldo Ingente and noted by acting Provincial Prosecutor Montalid Patnubay Jr said only four security guards (Tagud, Bolongan, Pancho and Gotera) should be charged with homicide and that the other guards be set free by the Boracay PNP. An investigation conducted by PO1 Jauod last June said at a confrontation occurred when the security guards approached Mariano on June 14 to tell him to leave the area. The investigation noted that the victim tried to seek police help but was hit by a bullet when a firefight occurred. One family members said they were satisfied with the investigation of the PNP but not with the resolution of the prosecutors. Other relatives of the victims declined to comment after they reported receiving death threats urging them not to pursue the case. - Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre, GMANews.TV