DAVAO CITY – The family of slain former Philsaga Mining Corp. president Samuel Afdal vowed to continue fighting for justice as prime suspect, Ryan Marky Baylon, pleaded not guilty to the killing.
THE Afdal family gives an update on the murder case of patriarch former Philsaga Mining Corp. president retired Col. Samuel Afdal during a press conference in Davao City on Wednesday afternoon, July 31. (Ivy Tejano)
In a press conference here on Wednesday afternoon, July 31, Afdal family lawyers Xilexfren Barroga and Romel Fontanilla said that Baylon entered the plea during his arraignment last month before a Quezon City court.
No bail was recommended for the suspect.
Evelyn Afdal, the wife of the victim, said that even if Baylon seeks the family’s forgiveness one day, they will still proceed with the case.
“I met him before, but we never talked (until the incident happened). Even after his arrest, there were no words. He never apologized. We may forgive him one day, but we will still proceed with the case until justice will be served,” Evelyn said.
Samuel and Evelyn’s daughter Che said the arrest of Baylon is a development that significantly boosts their morale.
“We are ever emboldened to continue the fight for justice if only to honor the name and legacy of my father. The steady grind of justice consoles us as we move on from our tragic loss. We continue praying that this justice flow will go on unimpeded,” Che said.
The Afdal family thanked the police and military, their lawyers, and supporters for their efforts in the arrest of the suspect.
Meanwhile, the board of directors of the On Any Sunday Riders Club (OASRC), of which Baylon is a member of, unanimously voted to approve the request of the Afdal family to remove the suspect from their roster effective immediately due to the crime.