The eyewitness in the murder of a businessman and a Tau Gamma fraternity member by alleged members of the AKHRO fraternity more than two months ago was reportedly abducted and made to sign a recantation in her affidavit reportedly made under duress.

This was confirmed yesterday by Saleto Erames, private counsel of Francis John "Chino" Perez, owner of the Kinaiyahan outdoor shop who was shot dead on Nov.3, 2006 while having dinner in a nearby restaurant.

Erames said the eyewitness executed a long affidavit on claims that she was abducted in Sibulan last week and brought to different places. She further claimed she was forced to sign a recanting statement under threat to her life.

She was intercepted by the police before she could deliver the statement to the City Prosecutors Office, Erames said.

Questions were raised on the circumstances of the alleged abduction when the eye witness was under the protective custody of the police. Erames argued that the police had no reason to detain her after she had executive an affidavit.

The murder case against Manuel Jarabe Jr and Diego Bustanillo was still in the preliminary investigation stage after their legal counsel Manuel Arbon filed a motion for a reinvestigation.

Assistant City Prosecutor Rodolfo Tropezado told the DAILY STAR that the reinvestigation was granted to give the respondents due process and to clarify other issues.

Tropezado has scheduled the next round of reinvestigation on Jan 12.

Tropezado said he has no idea about the alleged claims of abduction and the presence of a recanting statement from the witness.

Arbon would not confirm if the eyewitness had retracted, as claimed by the prosecution.*JG

back to top