Lozano confident evidence vs Dominguez brods strong

Oliver Lozano. Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Even with the murder of state witness Alfred Mendiola, lawyer Oliver Lozano is convinced that he has a strong case against Roger and Raymond Dominguez, his son’s alleged killers in 2011.

In an interview, the lawyer said the circumstantial evidence against the carjacking gang can pin down the accused for his son Emerson’s death.

“I am convinced that they will be convicted for my son’s death even with Mendiola’s death,” he told the INQUIRER on Thursday.

Emerson, a dealer of secondhand cars, was abducted and brutally killed in Jan. 2011 along with his driver Hernani Sensil.

The younger Lozano’s burnt remains were dumped in Porac, Pampanga and the Kia Carnival he was selling was torched, as well.

A case for car theft with homicide against the Dominguez brothers and two others is pending before a San Fernando, Pampanga court.

The older Lozano has earlier asked for the trial to be transferred to Quezon City, fearing that Central Luzon is a stronghold of the syndicate.

More than a year after Emerson and Sensil’s brutal deaths in Jan. 2011, the brothers have not yet been arraigned.

“I want the trial to be done in Quezon City because they were killed there,” Lozano said.

Mendiola would have been a witness in the case if not for his death early this week.

As a state witness against the Dominguezes for the Venson Evangelista slay, Mendiola pointed to the brothers as the masterminds of the abduction and killing in a hearing last year.

In the Lozano case, the late witness claimed hearing the gang allegedly talking about how the younger Lozano was killed and how the vehicle was burned.

Even though Mendiola was unable to take the witness stand for the Lozano case, Emerson’s father said the witness’s death will not affect the case.

“We already have prepared statements from Mendiola which will be presented in court,” Lozano said.

As a state witness, Mendiola was under the custody of the Witness Protection Program but he was able to slip away at least twice. His last outing ultimately led to the discovery of his body, along with 2 others, in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Sunday morning.

Lozano pointed out there should be amendments to the WPP agreement with its state witnesses.

“The WPP has no power to jail, or something to that effect. There should be amendments to prevent witnesses from leaving custody without a court order,” he explained.

The lawyer also reiterated his call to authorities to reimpose death penalty as punishment for carjacking.

“Death penalty for all the members of syndicates and others involved, from protectors to officials to buyers,” he added.

Lozano also urged both the Senate and the Lower House to probe carjacking syndicates and their protectors in the government.