CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The widow of slain Impasug-ong, Bukidnon Mayor Mario Okinlay called on authorities to conduct a through investigation into the killing of her husband who was laid to rest Saturday morning.
Julia Abasoca Okinlay said she would not be satisfied with a brief investigation because she wants to see justice supported by the right evidence.
She added that they have not filed a case against the three suspects identified by the police, as they await the results of the probe that the military is conducting.
The three suspects have been tagged as members of the New People’s Army, which has owned up to the killing, “but we should look for other possible angles,” she said.
Mrs. Okinlay said her family would not talk about the killing for 10 days after the burial because of tribal rituals, as the slain mayor is a Higaonon.
She said tribal leaders would also conduct an investigation and issue a manifesto. “The principle and culture of the Higaonon is love and peace,” she said.
Some 10,000 people came to pay their last respects to the slain mayor on Saturday, a number of them coming from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and other places.
“He was a good man and did nothing wrong,” Mrs. Okinlay said.