BALANGA City– The prosecutor in this city on Monday ordered the release of one of two suspects in the gun-slay of journalist Nerlita “Nerlie” Ledesma for lack of sufficient evidence and gave police 15 days to strengthen the case.
Chief Supt. Ronald Santos, Region 3 police director, said they filed a case for murder with the city prosecutor’s office against Innocencio Bendo, alias Bandio, 39, of Samal, Bataan based on testimonies of witnesses that the suspect was the gunman.
“After evaluation and direct questioning of witnesses, the fiscal found evidence not sufficient and gave us 15 days to look for more evidences,” Santos said.
Santos said they still hold another suspect, Juan Fulo, alias Boboy, 46, barangay tanod of Tuyo, Balanga City. Fulo was arrested for alleged attempt to kill Pedlejandro Payumo, former president of Tagnai Homeowners’ Association in Tuyo. Ledesma, tabloid Abante reporter, at the time of her death was president of the same organization.
“Although charged for another crime, we believe Fulo has a big role in the murder of Ledesma,” the RD said. “We will not let any stone unturned until justice is given to Ledesma. Naniniwala ako na in duetime, we will solve the case, Santos said.
“We respect the decision of the fiscal, lesson learned ito, challenge sa amin,” the police regional director added. Senior Supt. Rhodel Sermonia, Bataan police director, identified Bendo as a former communist rebel and Fulo as former soldier.
“May apat na testigo kami pero ang dalawa kinabahan, natakot na ang isa na mismong nakakita ng pamamaril,” Sermonia said, adding “we hope that more witnesses will surface.” Esteban “Jun” Ledesma, husband of the slain reporter, said he was happy with what the police are doing.
“Maganda, maayos ang ginagawa ng pulisya, nasisiyahan ako sa resulta. Maraming salamat kay PD, RD at sa lahat ng media. Sana, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang ginagawang pagtulong sa amin,” Jun said. The slain reporter will be interred at 2 p.m. Tuesday. She left behind her husband and an only daughter, a second year college student at UP Los Banos.
