NBI eyes polygraph test for Failon case witnesses

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Saturday that witnesses in the shooting of broadcaster Ted Failon’s wife would be subjected to polygraph tests. "Polygraph tests can help us because we need credible witnesses and this is vital in coming up with conclusions, aside from the physical evidence," said head agent Arnel Dalumpines, chief of the NBI- Special Task Force. NBI Director Nestor Mantaring had said earlier said the NBI entered the probe on orders of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez. “This is a joint probe and we will compare notes with the QCPD. All development of the case will be done in close coordination with the police," said Mantaring. Dalumpines said among those to be summoned for questioning starting next week are Failon’s driver Glen Polan, houseboy Pacifico Apacible, nanny Wilfreda Bollester, and maid Carlita Morbos – who were charged by Quezon City Police District for obstruction of justice, “They will be the first to be summoned. And Mr. Failon and his sister-in-law Pamela Arteche and other relatives will be the last. We have to respect their right as they are still grieving. Let them grieve first," said Dalumpines. He said that with the use of high-tech equipment and gadgets, the NBI has the capability to reconstruct the crime scene and retrieve physical evidence at the house of Failon even though it has been tampered with. “Even though blood had been removed, we can still do that using our equipment and gadgets. We can still get finger prints and other physical evidence," he said. He said the bathroom where Trinidad Arteche Etong, 45, was found struggling for her life with one bullet wound in the head had already been sealed by the Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO). Dalumpines said he and his team visited the house of Ted Failon and the New Era Hospital on Thursday afternoon. Dalumpines said Delfin Lee, long time friend Failon, would be also invited for questioning. He said he already talked to Failon on Thursday. - GMANews.TV