NBI agent charged with frustrated murder for shooting colleague

MANILA, Philippines—An agent of the National Bureau of Investigation who shot another agent during a birthday party inside the NBI headquarters was charged with frustrated murder at the Manila Regional Trial Court on Wednesday.

“Do not disarm me. People are trying to kill me,” Special Investigator Nestor Pascual, who was apparently drunk, said moments before he fired at SI Joselito Guillen inside the NBI-National Capital Region office last Friday, according to a witness’ testimony.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has relieved NBI-NCR Regional Director Manuel George Jularbal and other agents who were present at the party. Agent Heli Tiu said whisky and beer were served on the table he shared with Guillen and other agents. Red wine and gin were handed around at another table, where Pascual was seated.

Around 7:30 p.m., Tiu said an agent called their attention when a drunk Pascual went inside his cubicle and threw up in a trash can with his gun exposed at his side.

“He was on his mattress inside his cubicle, throwing up in a nearby trash can. He was told to rest because he was already unruly. His actions have offended some people,” Tiu said.

Tiu and Guillen talked to Pascual to set aside his gun but the latter said, “Do not disarm me. People are trying to kill me.” Tiu said he put the gun under the mattress but Guillen asked for it.

When he came back after going to another cubicle, he found Guillen holding the gun’s magazine while the unloaded gun was on the mattress. Tiu said the two were chatting in a normal manner.

When Guillen left, Pascual reached out and reloaded the gun. Tiu went beside Pascual and asked for the gun but the latter mentioned the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Central Intelligence Agency and kissed him on the cheek.

He said Pascual suddenly fired four times when Guillen appeared, prompting Tiu to forcibly disarm him.

Guillen was rushed to Manila Doctor’s Hospital where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds and underwent operation in the right hand.

Assistant City Prosecutor Erlinda Lim recommended the filing of charges and set the bail at P200,000.