“This thing that men call justice, this blind snake that strikes men down in the dark, mindless with fury, keep your hand back from it, pass by in silence.” –Maxwell Anderson

Forensic science, which has proven to be miraculous and credited in solving complicated crimes, will play a major role in identifying the killers of Alain Muller and Delfin Britanico, who were both killed by still-unidentified assailants last weekend in Iloilo City. Initial investigations found the empty .45 caliber pistol shells found at both crime scenes were fired by the same gun, which means the killings could be related or the shootings were committed by the same person.
The National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Detective Group are expected to make breakthroughs in their respective probes.
The shells, which are tantamount to leaving footprints, offer a major lead and can help investigators identify the killer or killers.

Collateral damage
If Muller’s case was an extrajudicial killing, Britanico may have been collateral damage.
Perhaps the latter happened upon the Muller’s murderers as they were fleeing. A chase would have ensued until the assailants found a perfect spot to finish off their second target.
For those with criminal instincts, the inclination to shoot after committing a crime is strong. Clinical psychologists have explained this “trigger-happy” inclination, which could prove the assailant in both cases is the same person.

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I call on media colleagues, especially those who are personally acquainted with Britanico’s father, former Barangay Natin partylist Rep. Salvador ‘Buddy’ Britanico, to support their family in this time of sorrow.
The former congressman was one of few Iloilo elected officials who is considered dear to media practitioners. He would always distribute calendars featuring photos of his family.
They are role models.
The elder Britanico introduced me to the family over 20 years ago, where I met his wife, Dr. Lita Celestial-Britanico, along with Delfin and his brothers, Delfin and Franco.
The family always prayed and ate together and, today, they mourn together.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is based in New York City, used to be the editor for two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ