DOJ starts probe on QC prosecutor’s death

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) gave three police officers tagged in the death of Quezon City Prosecutor Rogelio Velasco up to February 19 to respond to complaints for murder filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Required to respond through a counter-affidavit are Senior Police Officer 2 (SPO2) Rodante Sicat Laimarmo, PO3 Arthur Yasonio Lucy, and PO1 Jose Lunar Mercado.

After submission of counter-affidavits, complainants will have up to March 11 to submit a reply.  Senior State Prosecutor Peter Ong also gave the parties up to March 25 to submit a rejoinder if they still deem it necessary. After the submissions, Ong said the case will be submitted for resolution.

Velasco was shot to death on May 11, 2018 along Don Antonio Street, Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City.

He was driving his red Toyota Innova when a white Toyota Innova with plate number XNR 256 blocked his path and four armed men stepped out and fired at the victim.

Velasco was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Death Investigation Division (DID) Investigation Agent Ariel Ross Calub said they were able to identify the suspects based on witnesses’ testimonies and closed circuit television (CCTV) footage.

He said based on the CCTV footage, the suspects met inside the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Some of the suspects were onboard the white Toyota Innova while others came from a black Toyota Fortuner.

From Quezon City Circle, Calub said the suspects left some 15 to 20 minutes prior to the crime.

Velasco is the first prosecutor attacked in 2018 but he was the 7th attacked since October 2016. /je