IBP-Negros: BCPO probe is moving ‘quite slow’

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a parallel investigation into the murder of Atty. Rafael Atutubo, who was gunned down in front of his Bacolod City home by riding-in-tandem suspects last month.

IBP-Negros Occidental president, Atty. Arnel Lapore, yesterday said the investigation currently  undertaken by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is not moving as they expected, calling the pace “quite slow.”

He noted, it’s been three weeks since Atutubo was killed and there is no progress.

The motive has not been established nor were the suspects identified, the chapter president added.

“In a unanimous resolution, the IBP-Negros Occidental chapter is requesting NBI-Bacolod to conduct a parallel investigation [into] the death of Atty. Rafael Atutubo,” Lapore said. “We are also requesting the regional director of the PNP (Philippine National Police) to intervene in this investigation, [in order] to extend necessary assistance to the city director for [an] immediate and thorough investigation.”

The resolution will be sent to the NBI on Monday, he noted.

BCPO, meanwhile, admitted they are currently “facing a blank wall” as far as the case is concerned, pointing to a lack of cooperation by the family of the slain lawyer.

“Maybe they [have] reasons also,” Lapore said. “We hope they cooperate with the NBI.”

Despite calling out city police on the time that has passed since the crime was committed, Lapore said they do not plan on giving a timeline on the NBI probe, saying, they will leave it to the NBI to do their duty./DGB, WDJ