Task group to look into Castro murder

CEBU, Philippines — A special investigation task group (SITG) will be formed to investigate the murder of former Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro.

The task group will be composed of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7, the PNP Crime Laboratory, and Abellana Police Station.

“I will recommend to RD (Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, director of PRO-7), the creation of a special investigation task group to involve national support units and other police units,” CCPO director Senior Supt. Royima Garma said.

She added they will look into the drug cases that Castro “mishandled” while she was working as assistant prosecutor in Cebu City.

“Merong other cases na hinawakan niya dito ay mga sensational cases na may nagreklamo the way it was handled, she handled drug cases mostly,” Garma said. (She handled sensational drug cases and there were complaints on the way she handled these cases.)

Garma refused to confirm or deny reports that the murder could be linked to Castro’s alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“I think on the issue of illegal drugs, the best people that can answer that are those na kakilala niya,” Garma said. (About the issue on illegal drugs, the best people who can answer that are those who know her well.)

Castro was driving her car on Escario St., Barangay Kamputhaw when she was shot dead by a lone gunman Thursday night.

Garma said better investigation outcome can be expected once the task group is formed.

“May team na mag-focus sa kaso so there will be more resources, and more people, you will expect a better outcome. Hopefully, mu-cooperate ang witnesses, and those who know the life of Castro, lumabas at magkwento sa amin,” she said. (There will be a team that will focus on the case. More resources, more people, you will expect a better outcome.  I hope the witnesses and the people who know her will cooperate with us.)

On the other hand, Garma explained that some people still carry firearms even with the election gun ban because the police are now allowed to frisk.

“Kalusot man tanan. Unsa man na ang checkpoint, plain view,  limited lang man,” Garma said. (The checkpoint is only limited to check in plain view.  That’s why some can still slip a gun during checkpoint.)

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines along with the Commission on Human Rights previously released statements condemning the violence on another lawyer.

CHR and the National Bureau of Investigation will have a parallel probe with the police and Garma sees it as a positive development. —/MBG (FREEMAN)