PNP: Suspects’ testimonies vs gang men strong, but…

While they believe the testimonies of at least two carjack suspects linking the Dominguez brothers to the brutal murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista are “strong," police admit they may have to wait before arresting them. Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG) spokesman Senior Superintendent Edwin Butacan said Saturday the testimony of Alfred Mendiola can be key evidence against Roger and Raymond Dominguez, who have denied the accusation.
“As far as we at the HPG are concerned, the testimonies of the arrested suspects can count as ‘heavy’ evidence," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. But PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. admitted that even with Mendiola’s testimony, they police may not be able to make arrests immediately. In a separate radio interview, Cruz said the Dominguezes are still out on bail, and that cops may have to wait until a court issues warrants for their arrest. “For now they are out on bail. It may be likely we will charge them on inquest. But we will have to wait for the courts to issue warrants for their arrest, which we will then serve," he said in an interview on dzMM. When asked how long it may take before the courts issue arrest warrants, he said it will depend on the appreciation of the judges who would handle the case. “Depende sa appreciation ng huwes, mabigat ang mga kasong ito (It depends on the appreciation of the courts. This is a serious case)," he said. On Friday, police announced the arrest of Mendiola and Batibot Parulan, who were linked to the disappearance and murder of Evangelista. Still at large are a certain Rolly, who was the supposed gunman in the Evangelista case. Mendiola was arrested in Central Luzon Thursday night, and now wants to be a witness. Police also recovered on Friday two sport-utility vehicles from the safe house of the gang in San Fernando, Pampanga. The vehicles included a green Pajero believed to be trailing the Land Cruiser of Evangelista the day he disappeared; and a bronze Ford Expedition. Also recovered from the safe house were 25 license plates, car keys, vehicle accessories, and various firearms and ammunition. — LBG, GMANews.TV