DOJ opens probe into Mindanao newsman’s killing

DIGOS CITY, Philippines—The Department of Justice has scheduled a preliminary hearing on the murder of journalist Nestor Bedolido  which was allegedly ordered by Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas.

“It was a relief that the preliminary investigation will now push through because this case has been dragging on for so long,” Cagas said Wednesday as he confirmed receiving the DOJ notice.

He said based on the DOJ notice, the preliminary investigation will be conducted in Manila on September 7, more than a year after Bedolido was shot dead here.

Bedolido, a consultant for the weekly Kastigador, was shot dead at the corner of Rizal and Quezon avenues here on June 19 last year by one of two motorcycle-riding men.

A few months later, Voltaire Mirafuentes surrendered to the police’s Criminal Detection and Investigation Group  and admitted murder but implicated Cagas and Mayor Vicente Fernandez of Matanao. Mirafuentes has been placed under the government’s witness protection program.

The Bedolido family had repeatedly asked the DOJ to file murder charges against Cagas and Fernandez based on Mirafuentes’ confession.

Marxlen Bedolido, the slain journalist’s son, said the filing of the charges could hasten the issuance of warrants of arrest against the suspected brains.

Cagas said he was hoping the preliminary investigation on the Bedolido murder case would eventually clear him of any involvement in the death of the journalist.

“I have long wanted this case resolved. I am also a victim here of undue trial,” he said.

Cagas said that on July 22, he submitted a memorandum to the DOJ questioning the manner by which the prosecutors were handling the issue. He described it as “snail-paced.”

“The confusing tempo, which this case has been subjected to, has triggered fears on the part of the respondent that a sinister plot to oust him from office may be at play,” the memorandum said.

Cagas said another proof he wanted the issue resolved immediately was his January 25 motion asking the DOJ to create a special panel of prosecutors.

He said if the DOJ was giving weight to the testimony of Mirafuentes, then the confessed gunman himself should be detained.

“It should be pointed out that since he confessed to the killing of Nestor Bedolido, Voltaire S. Mirafuentes should be in detention while the preliminary investigation is pending,” Cagas’ memorandum said.

He also questioned why Henry Mirafuentes, the confessed gunman’s brother, remained free when he also admitted participation in the Bedolido murder.