NBI, HPG, PAO differ on no. of rider’s wounds

HOW DID motorcyclist John Dela Riarte die? The Highway Patrol Group (HPG), National Bureau of Investigation  and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Forensic Laboratory have different findings.

Based on the spot report by HPG, Dela Riarte was shot twice by PO3 Jeremiah de Villa after he attempted to grab the gun of one of the arresting officers, PO2 Jonjie Manon-og.

The NBI, on the other hand, said Dela Riarte sustained four gunshot wounds.

Dela Riarte was arrested on July 29 after he figured in a road altercation with another motorist. Hands cuffed behind him, he was being taken to Camp Crame when he was shot inside the police vehicle.

The report of the PAO Forensic Laboratory based on an examination conducted by Dr. Erwin P. Erfe showed Dela Riarte sustained five entry wounds and two exit wounds.

Four of the entry wounds were on the chest, pelvic area and front upper thigh while one was on the back of the right thigh.  “One was a contact gunshot wound. The gun was next to his chest when it was fired,” Erfe said.