Iligan radio broadcaster, RSP-10 seek frustrated murder reinvestigation

April 25, 2008

Local Regional State Prosecutor Office (RSPO-10) is now looking into the possibility of asking for a reinvestigation of the frustrated murder of radio broadcaster Jose “Jo” Pantoja to now include the mastermind behind the incident.

This particularly as the Supreme Court has now granted the petition to allow the change of venue for the trial court hearings from Iligan City to Cagayan de Oro City considering the continuing threats against Pantoja’s life.

The records of the case is now at the Hall of Justice in Cagayan de Oro and had been raffled off to the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 23 presiding judge Anita Lucagbo.

RSPO-10 director Jaime Umpa said they are now studying moves to make sure that the mastermind behind the Pantoja frustrated murder case will be impleaded in the case.

He voiced convictions that the suspects of the case are actually guns for-hire of an influentially-rich politician in Iligan City.

“As soon as we have the grounds, we will file for a reinvestigation of the case to now include the mastermind,” he said.

He added that as soon as Pantoja can provide them with the sworn statement of the person who can identify the mastermind, then they will proceed to petition for a reinvestigation of the case.

Earlier, more than five witnesses appeared before Iligan City police director Virgilio Ranes identifying Romeo Ragasaojo and Romeo Vequizo as behind Pantoja frustrated murder incident and the corresponding charges had been filed against them.

The day before he was shot, Pantoja was about to discuss the Supreme Court en banc decision that resolved the election contest between Lanao del Norte 1st District Representative Vicente Belmonte and political rival Emilda Quibranza-Dimaporo.

Vequizo was reportedly identified in a press statement as a former bodyguard of Belmonte by Divina Suson, information officer of Belmonte. But Suson said Vequizo was already terminated for cause by Belmonte’s office n 2005. Belmonte also denied any connection to the suspects.

Meanwhile, Pantojo who sustained no less than five gunshot wounds vowed to exhaust efforts to make sure that the mastermind behind the attempt against his life would be included in the charge sheet.

Umpa assured that all witnesses, like Pantoja, will be placed under the Department of Justice (DOJ) has a witness protection program.

Also, he said the suspects can seek the DOJ program and testify against the mastermind of the failed assassination attempt.

He pointed out in particular the driver of the getaway motorcycle that was used to whisk the two gunmen from the crime scene can stand as state witness. (By Lizanilla J. Amarga)

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Written by admin · Filed Under Iligan City