Ducayag family hopes case will now proceed

CEBU, Philippines - A year after the controversial death of Mario Alfie Ducayag, the man suspected of shoplifting at a downtown mall, his family hopes that the case against the suspects in his killing would finally proceed.

“It is not the time that really heals our hurts but the love that we continue to receive… as we pick up the pieces of our broken hearts… yes, it is ironic that while love may bring us pain and miseries, it also urges us to move on,” Ducayag’s sister, Marie Shantylle, told the media yesterday.

After visiting Ducayag’s grave in Naga City, his family said a prayer in front of the Gaisano Metro in downtown Cebu City at 2 p.m. and proceeded to the Sto. Rosario Church for a Holy Mass.

Ducayag died after he was allegedly mauled by security personnel of the mall after he allegedly stole a pair of Sandugo sandals. He was brought to the security room for questioning and to view the footages of the CCTV camera. An hour later, however, based on investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation, Ducayag has lost consciousness and was no longer breathing, as assessed by personnel of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Marie Shantylle said state prosecutor Aida Sanchez has already filed a formal opposition to the request of Jeffrey Aquino, former closed-circuit television camera operator, to hold the issuance of the warrant of arrest against him.

Aquino and Mauricio Doblados, chief security of the establishment, have been charged for murder in relation to Ducayag’s death.

“Fiscal Sanchez has already submitted the comment to the court last Monday recommending the issuance of the warrant of arrest,” Marie Shantylle said.

Sanchez reportedly informed them that there is no longer a need to wait for the result of Aquino’s petition before the Department of Justice.

Aquino through lawyer Salvador Solima has questioned the findings of the prosecutors linking him to the crime.

Based on the findings of NBI medico-legal officer Dr. Rene Cam, Ducayag died of traumatic injury to the neck. He concluded the latter was mauled.

 The NBI earlier said that shoplifting “is wanting” in Ducayag’s case. The bureau said considering the victim was still inside the establishment, the Standard Operating Procedure in arresting a suspect does not in any way apply to the victim.

 â€œIn arresting a suspect it must be continuously monitored by the security personnel who witnessed him stealing until the suspect steps out of the building,” according to former regional director of the NBI, Atty. Antonio Pagatpat.

 Ducayag reportedly went back to Counter 7 to look for the receipt of the sandals that had gone missing. He was then brought to the security room to look at the CCTV camera footage if he indeed paid the item.  (FREEMAN)