Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno Peña said he is confident that the Negros Occidental Prosecutor’s Office will recommend a full trial on the complaint for murder on two counts, and frustrated murder on four counts, filed by the National Bureau of the Investigation against 41 persons allegedly involved in the May 30, 2007 ambush on him.

In the final clarificatory hearing on the complaint yesterday, Peña, who was asked to testify, again implicated brothers Luis and Samson Mondia of Pulupandan and Marvin “Bong” Mata as among those behind the ambush.

“I told the prosecutors that I positively saw Samson Mondia inside the blue Revo that was used as getaway vehicle of the ambushers and I identified Mata as one of the gunmen,” Peña said.

He also complimented Mata for being an excellent shot and offered to double the salary the latter supposedly receives from the Mondias if he will work for him.

Being a lawyer, Peña said probable cause in the complaint was clearly established and he is confident that within 60 days, the prosecutor’s office will recommend court trial and warrants of arrests will be issued to the respondents.

“It will be hunting season once again as I expect the Mondias and other accused to go into hiding to avoid arrest,” he said.

Peña said he is looking forward to a showdown in court between his lawyers and the counsels of the Mondias, among them topnotch lawyer Mario Victoriano.

He said it will be exciting to be cross-examined by Victoriano whom he considered as one of the best legal minds in the practice.

Also named as respondents in the complaint were Luis Mondia’s son Luis Jr. and Louie, Barangay Captain Doroteo Vallejo of Canjusa, Barangay Captain Renato Dioso of Zone 4, Mario Treyes, Fritz Javier, Martin “Bong” Mata, Diego Malacad, Noel Occena, Arnel “Boy” Semillano, Robinson Galanza;

Allan Arellano, Joemarie Dalumpines,  Gamay/Doring Jereza, Medardo Sayosa, Romeo Nanta alias Juanito Magbanua, Loggie Pabol, Fred Singapore, Ruben “Boy” Olvido, Renato Ronamo, Rogelio Montero, Bebong Biadora;

George Atillano, Jonel Española, Owa Española, Ronnie Fantonalgo, Marche Malapitan, Raul Calderon, Carlos Villanueva, Samuel Diamante, Clarence Española, Benjamin Atchura, Alberto Magdalera, Dioniso Dioso, Antonio Dichino, Arnel Castaneda and Genaro Animay.*NAB

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