3-man panel retracts earlier DOJ ruling
The three-man panel from the Department of Justice (DOJ) who reviewed the case of former Vice Mayor Ramon Rojas Jr. found probable cause to include Vicente “Etik” Espinosa in the complaint.
5th District Board Member Jett Rojas said he was informed by the counsel of his late cousin over the recent order of from the justice department. The three-man panel has amended the resolution earlier handed down by Provincial Prosecutor Bernabe Dusaban which cleared Espinosa from any participation on Rojas’s death.
Earlier, the provincial prosecutor found no merit on principal suspect Dennis Cartagena’s statement which could pin down Espinosa on the case. It momentarily cleared him of any participation not until the justice department now headed by Secretary Agnes Devanavera issued the new decision. Espinosa’s counsel Atty. Edeljulio Romero was not available for comment yesterday.
He did not name the three-man panel who reviewed the case. The review of the case was made upon the recommendation of former DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. to the family after Dennis Cartagena, one of the suspects in the senseless murder of the vice mayor surrendered to the police. The review caused 10 months delay in prosecuting the people behind the killing.
It was the former DOJ secretary who suggested including the extra-judicial confession of Cartagena to have a strong case or evidence against Espinosa. Rojas did not elaborate more on what convinced the reviewing prosecutors to amend the order of the provincial prosecutor over the Rojas case.
Cartagena decided to surrender after the failed attempt on his life. He and his partner Edgar Cordero fled to Butuan after they were tagged behind Rojas’s death. The two were ambushed in Purok 18, Mahay. Cordero died while Cartagena managed to escape.
Cartagena’s testimony identifying Espinosa as the mastermind in the killing was used by the three-man panel to issue the order. Rojas said they sent copies of Cartagena’s affidavit three times before it finally reached the panel. Copies of Cartagena’s sworn statement were lost after it was sent to the justice department.
Rojas said they are planning to visit Atty. Gardoce, chief of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center to ensure Cartagena’s safety while in jail. He holds vital information on the case. His safety is dependent on the measures exercised by the jail official.
They are also contemplating of seeing IPPO provincial director Sr. Supt. Renato Gumban. The safety of the prisoner was assured by former IPPO director Sr. Supt. Ricardo de la Paz. “He (Cartagena) is the most important witness,” said Rojas.
Stringent security measures were implemented whenever Cartagena has scheduled court hearings in Iloilo City. The roadside security and close-in security were also in-place.
Rojas added that it will depend on the provincial prosecutor on how fast the information could be filed in court regarding the recent DOJ resolution finding probable cause to include Espinosa in the complaint.
The court can issue a warrant of arrest against the suspect as soon as the provincial prosecutor files the information. Espinosa, however, have the option to file a motion at the DOJ or even apply for a temporary restraining order before the High Court, said Rojas.
