Suspects in ambush of engineer deny charges

CEBU, Philippines – No conspiracy was involved in the ambush of Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Ciriaco Salazar, alleged motorcycle-for-hire driver Norman Agbay told the court yesterday.

The incident happened in sitio Tigbao, Barangay Balamban last August 5.

During the pre-trial of the case yesterday, Agbay through lawyer Ricardo Labial Jr., said he does not know Rene Garcia, the alleged gunman.

Labial, however, said that the witnesses and the policeman did not positively identify Agbay, contrary to the statement of prosecution lawyer Ernesto Narido that the police and witnesses have confirmed Agbay's participation in the shooting.

Labial said Agbay was not in the area when the incident happened.

Meanwhile, Garcia's counsel Michael Mernardo also said that his client was not at the crime scene on August 5. He said further that Garcia did not know Agbay prior to the ambush.

Mernardo said his client was still connected with DPWH as a casual employee when the incident happened, contrary to what Dolores, the victim's wife, said that Garcia was no longer connected with DPWH.

Narido said the prosecution will be presenting 11 more witnesses, Dolores included, to prove that Agbay and Garcia conspired with each other in staging the ambush and killing Salazar.

For its part, Labial said the defense will present three witnesses, Agbay included. Mernardo will present Garcia and a reserve witness.

Investigation revealed that Garcia, allegedly on board a motorcycle driven by Agbay, overtook Salazar's car and shot the driver, thinking it was Dolores who was at the wheel.

Garcia said he was angry at Dolores for firing him from his job as a driver of the DPWH.

However, Agbay insists he had no part in the planning the murder and said Garcia just paid him P400 to drive the motorcycle. (FREEMAN)