The Department of Justice on Sunday said the National Bureau of Investigation has commenced its parallel investigation into the killing of a 28-year-old rent-a-car driver who was killed along with two others during an alleged anti-illegal drug buy bust operation by police authorities last July 20 in Oas, Albay.
Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said the NBI was directed to probe the death of Jose Maria Arvin Samson Bautista after his family asked for assistance as they denied his involvement in illegal drug trade Bautista’s family expressed belief that he was a victim of extrajudicial killing due to visible torture wounds on his body aside from the lone gunshot wound on his chest.
The victim’s family also claimed that he has no criminal records, particularly in illegal drugs.
“The NBI is already investigating [the incident]. This is pursuant to Secretary of Justice [Menardo Guevarra’s] directive and upon instruction from my office. I hope to get an update from them tomorrow (Monday),” Sugay said.
The Bautistas also wrote the National Police Commission to investigate the policemen involved in the incident for alleged rubout and torture. Based on police reports, the victim was killed along with two others identified as Ramon Mutuc, 44 and Gregorio Garcia Jr., 42, in a shootout with policemen.
Before the shootout, one of the suspects was caught selling 10 grams of shabu with P40,000 to an undercover agent.
But when the suspect realized that he was dealing with police operatives he immediately drew his firearm and fired at the police poseur buyer.
The police said the group then engaged the police agents in a shootout which resulted in their death.
Police authorities said some P1.75 million worth of shabu was found in their possession.