DOJ indicts Abra mayor in killing of rival’s wife

MANILA, Philippines - Reversing itself, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the indictment of Bangued, Abra Mayor Ryan Luna for the killing of the wife of a political rival in the May 2007 polls.

In a seven-page resolution released yesterday, the DOJ found probable cause to include Luna as an accused in the murder of Brenda Crisologo, wife of Tineg town Mayor Edwin Crisologo Sr.

Acting on a petition for review, Secretary Leila de Lima overturned earlier findings of investigating prosecutors clearing Luna in the murder case supposedly due to insufficient evidence.

The DOJ cited evidence showing Luna’s “active presence” during the killing of Mrs. Crisologo at the Holy Spirit Academy in Tineg town where the canvassing of votes in the May 2007 polls was being held.

 â€œThe other testimonies, taken together, would tend to show a respondent who was not merely present at the scene, but one who brought... the gunman to the scene of the incident... This was an active, not mere passive, presence,” stated the resolution signed by Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III.

The alleged gunman, Totoy Buyao, according to the DOJ, got his cue from Luna in shooting Mrs. Crisologo at the canvassing center. An eyewitness saw the mayor allegedly pointing to her before Buyao shot her.

“At this stage, we cannot just set aside their statement as not credible simply by reason of this delay on their part. The issue of credibility of witnesses is a matter best addressed by the trial courts,” the DOJ said.

Mayor Crisologo earlier said the witness did not immediately surface because Luna’s family is influential and feared by many in Abra.

With the DOJ resolution, Luna will join the other accused in the murder case, namely Lenin Benwaren, Pedro Benwaren, Tony Benwaren, Henry Lee Tan, Nober Calubing, and Jonathan Libuen, who were earlier charged in court.           – With Teddy Molina