Investigators to dig deeper into lawyer’s murder

CEBU, Philippines —  The special investigation task group (SITG) created by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to look into the daring killing of lawyer Joey Luis Wee is set to convene with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-7) and Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU-7) to dig deeper into the case.

In a press conference yesterday, Police Lieutenant Colonel Clark Arriola, CCPO public information officer, said they will invite NBI-7 and RACU-7 to the next meeting tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2020.

"Ang purpose is para lang gyud ma-identify nato unsa na kalawma ang investigation nga atong nakuha. From the meeting that we will be having, ma-identify nato kon unsa nay naa nato. Then from there, ma-identify nato kon unsa pa'y kailangan nato buhaton," said Arriola.

Though authorities obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footages that may give leads to the investigation, Arriola said the footages are not that clear. In this respect, they will ask RACU-7 to enhance the quality of the footages.

CCPO Director Josefino Ligan, who is the SITG overall commander, has convened with the group which is comprised of Criminal and Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Regional Crime Laboratory, City Intelligence Unit (CIU), and investigation-on-case (OIC) of Mabolo Police Station on Saturday, November 28.

Considering that the evidences reported by the members of the group are not enough, Arriola said Ligan has designated them to gather additional CCTV footages from different establishments and look for individuals who are possible witnesses to the crime.

"As of the moment, dili gyud ingon-ana ka-daghan ug ka-nindot ang pieces of evidence nga naa nato. That is why gi-delineate sa atong city director kon unsay tasking," Arriola said.

Police are still coordinating with Wee's family, as well as his associates.

"Ang wife ug ang associates, dili gyud ingon ana kanindot ang information nga nahatag. Siguro tungod pod kay bag-o pa kaayo ang panghitabo, mura'g on-shocked pa sila. So hatagan nato og panahon para ma-settle ilang hunahuna ug basin eventually, naa sila'y mahimumduman ug mahatag nga information sa atong investigator-on-case nga makatabang sa atong investigation," he said.

CCPO assured Wee's family members that they will not leave any stone unturned.

"Atoa gyud siguraduon nga ma-identify gyud nato ang perpetrators and eventually atoa gyud silang madakpan, and they will be put behind bars," Arriola added.

He assured the public that the CCPO will conduct an in-depth investigation not just on cases involving high-profile individuals but also the common people.  — JMD (FREEMAN)