DOJ directs NBI to probe killing of Dinagat Island board member

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the death of Dinagat Islands’ provincial board member Wenefredo Olofernes.

Olofernes was gunned down by two men riding tandem on a motorcycle in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte last July 7.

READ: Dinagat board member gunned down, Bag-ao calls for justice

In a department order, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the NBI, headed by NBI Director Dante A. Gierran, to investigate Olofernes’ death.

“In the interest of the service and pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10867 or the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act, which authorizes the Secretary of Justice to direct the National Bureau of Investigation to undertake the investigation of any crime when public interest so requires, the NBI, through Director Dante A. Gierran, is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the killing of Wenefredo Olofernes,” Guevarra said.

The DOJ chief also ordered the filing of appropriate charges against individuals held responsible for Olofernes’ death “if evidence warrants.”

“Director Gierran is hereby directed to submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation and case build-up directly to the Office of the Secretary,” Guevarra noted.

Police Lt. Col. Christian Rafols, spokesperson for the Caraga regional police, earlier said that Olofernes was driving his motorcycle with a companion when the suspects caught up with them and shot him in the head.

He was brought to the Caraga Regional Hospital but died later. (Editor: Eden Estopace)