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Vizconde patriarch welcomes plan to reinvestigate massacre case


While he remains distraught over the acquittal of Hubert Webb and six others over the massacre of his entire family 19 years ago, Vizconde patriarch Lauro welcomed on Thursday the prospect of a reinvestigation of the 1991 murders. In a radio interview, Vizconde said the prospect of a reinvestigation has partially rekindled his hope that his murdered wife Estrellita and daughters Carmela and Jennifer can still finally get justice. "Kaya ako natutuwa at least nagkaroon ng kaunting pag-asa na medyo makita ko ... magkaroon ng tunay ng katarungan at makakapahinga ang aking mahal sa buhay (I am heartened that at least there is still some hope to have true justice so my family can rest)," Vizconde said in an interview on dwIZ radio. In a separate interview on GMA News' Unang Balita, Vizconde said: "Ako ay nagkaroon ng kaunting pag-asa upang maipagpatuloy ko ang paghahanap ng katarungan para sa aking mga mahal sa buhay."

In the radio interview, Vizconde said he still cannot accept the acquittal of the seven last Tuesday, as he recalled the brutal deaths of his family. Vizconde, who wept while visiting the graves of his loved ones Wednesday afternoon, said his youngest daughter Jennifer alone bore 19 stab wounds in the body. Meeting with De Lima The family patriarch said he plans to consult his lawyers and meet with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on the possible reopening of the case. "I think I have to consult my lawyer, and even have a conference with Sec. De Lima. She also pronounced there is a possibility they can reopen the case. Ako [ay] nabuhayan nang kaunting pag-asa (I am heartened with the hope of a reopening of the case)," he said. Vizconde said he remains convinced Webb was involved in the case, recalling a phone conversation he had with Carmela weeks before the massacre. "Carmela told me on the phone, 'You know I have a suitor who I found out is the son of a politician and belongs to a family in BF (Homes),'" he said. On Wednesday, De Lima said she was going to have a conference with National Bureau of Investigation director Magtanggol Gatdula on the possible reinvestigation of the case. "I have to discuss it with them. I want to know what happened before.... I want to know how they handled the evidence. I will discuss with Director Gatdula because we are aware of Mr. Lauro Vizconde's call for a reinvestigation," De Lima said. "I am very inclined [to order a reinvestigation]," she added. Double jeopardy Vizconde admitted, however, that he is confused on whether charges can be re-filed against Webb if he is found to be involved in the reinvestigation. He said some lawyers had cited the principle of double jeopardy that prevents the re-filing of charges against one who is acquitted of a crime. "Double jeopardy" refers to being tried for the same crime twice. "But there are lawyers like no less than the secretary of justice who said we can reopen the case," he said. John Herra At the same time, Vizconde also questioned the credibility of former National Bureau of Investigation agent John Herra, one of those who secured then star witness Jessica Alfaro. On Wednesday, Herra had surfaced and said in a television interview that Alfaro, who linked Webb and several others to the case, was not a credible witness. "Bakit hindi siya tumestigo sa korte? Credible ba ito? Bakit natanggal si John Herra sa NBI (Why did Herra not testify in court against Alfaro at the time? Is he credible? Why was he kicked ot of the NBI)?" Vizconde said. Vizconde also cited Herra's alleged links to carnapping, including the theft of a sport-utility vehicle of a relative of now Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. "Anong credibility ng taong ito (So what credibility does this guy have)?" Vizconde said of Herra. On the Webb's family to file charges against Alfaro for her false testimony, Vizconde said: "It's their right to do whatever they like." In the television interview, Vizconde said the last time she had communications with Alfaro was before the high court issued its decision. "She assured me that we have a strong case because of her testimony and those of the former househelps of the Webb family." — RSJ, GMANews.TV
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