NBI looking at accidental firing, suicide in counter-terrorism chief’s death

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking at several angles on the death of its Counter-Terrorism Division (CTD) chief, including suicide and a self-inflicted discharge of a firearm.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, NBI deputy director and spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin said it is also possible that the gunshot wound that division chief Raoul Manguerra sustained on late Monday night stemmed from accidental discharge caused by another person.

Manguerra died after sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen while inside the NBI-CTD office along Taft Avenue in Ermita, Manila.  According to the Manila Police District, they have yet to identify the nature of the case as NBI is investigating the incident.

“We just had a case conference with the forensic team and the members of the investigation division […] we have to see to it that all angles are being looked into in this investigation, all possibilities.  As we speak, statements are being taken by our agents, and there is an additional requirement of some forensic (procedures),” Lavin told reporters.

“We are looking at either a possible suicide scenario, a possible self-inflicted accidental firing, an accidental firing that may be caused by other person, or an intentional… or possible angles are being seriously looked in(to),” he added.

NBI also noted that they have also talked to the four people inside the counter-terrorism office when the incident involving Manguerra occurred.

Meanwhile, the agency reached out to the family, which reportedly preferred NBI handle the probe.

“The director has already reached out to the family, the four other persons who were inside the counter-terrorism division office at the time of the incident are being cooperative and are under investigation,” Lavin explained.

Meanwhile, the NBI said it mourns with the family of Manguerra. The agency also ordered an investigation and a lockdown of the NBI office.

After reports of Manguerra’s death broke out, NBI released a statement saying that the investigation body is in a state of mourning. [ac]