The investigation into the recent death of a civilian in Brgy. San Antonio, Himamaylan City, yesterday took another twist as the militiaman-suspect who had earlier confessed to the crime, retracted before the Commission on Human Rights.

CHR Investigator Ariel Marapo said militiaman Ronnie Bajedo admitted in a signed statement, that he was not responsible for the death of Juanito Demerin.

Marapo said Bajedo claimed to be surprised at his confession when he was brought to the Himamaylan police by SSgt. Norberto Folluna, commander of the San Antonio detachment and member of the 12th Infantry Battalion. Despite the retraction of Bajedo, however, Supt. Milko Lirazan, Himamaylan police chief, yesterday said they will press charges against the militiaman for the death of Demerin.

Bajedo had earlier admitted having shot Demerin who allegedly attacked his detachment commander during a benefit dance in Sitio Catultulan, Brgy. San Antonio, Himamalan City on July 30, police investigations showed.

However, the family of Demerin insisted that Folluna was the one responsible for the death of Juanito.

Lirazan said they have also three witnesses, including a barangay official, who executed affidavits that Bajedo was the one who shot Demerin.

Bajedo was freed from the Himamaylan police lock-up cell after his 36-hour reglamentary period of detention ended on Friday, and failure of the family of complainants to file charges against him in court.

Marapo said he got an information that a bullet from an M-16 rifle hit Demerin.

Bajedo was armed with an M-14 rifle during the incident.

Police investigations showed that Folluna fired warning shots twice, while being assaulted by Demerin who was drunk.

Marapo said if Bajedo was the one who had shot Demerin, he could have hit first Folluna who was in front of him. At the same time, he added, the M-14 rifle of Bajedo was pointed upward when the incident took place.

CHR investigations also showed that three other witnesses claimed that Folluna shot Demerin.

Marapo said he believes that Folluna may have no intention to shoot Demerin. He told RGMA Super Radyo that Folluna may be held liable for reckless imprudence resulted to homicide.

Lt.Col. Norman Flores, 61st IB commander, yesterday said he is not aware that Bajedo retracted his confession. He, however, said they are investigating thoroughly the claims of Folluna and Bajedo, in coordination with the Himamaylan police.*GPB

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