NIA-10 vows to cooperate in probe of ex-employee's death
ANTATICO (FB)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Irrigation Authority in Northern Mindanao (NIA-10) has committed to cooperate fully in the investigation into the killing of its former employee, a case that has drawn national attention after a resolution was filed in Congress to probe the death.
In an interview on Tuesday, NIA-10 spokesperson Janet Lorono said the agency will assist law enforcement agencies in seeking justice for Niruh Kyle Antatico, former senior legal officer of the agency.
Antatico, 40, was gunned down by two unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants on Oct. 10 while he was driving his car on the highway in Barangay Patag.
Police Regional Office-10 acting director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said investigators believe a gun-for-hire group may be behind the crime. He said the victim had been receiving death threats since last year.
Investigators are also looking into Antatico’s social media posts, where he allegedly exposed irregularities involving a P75-million NIA project.
However, Lorono clarified that a social media post allegedly attributed to NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen ordering NIA-10 Regional Manager Larry Franada to inspect projects looked fabricated.
“The post referred to Franada as Director, which is incorrect. His official title is Regional Manager. It’s impossible for the Administrator to make such an error in an official communication or to release it via social media," she said.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan and Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano filed House Resolution No. 376 condemning the murder and calling for a thorough probe.
The condemnation was also manifested through different statements from various law fraternity and sorority groups, as well as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
The NIA central office has offered a P100,000 reward for those who can identify the perpetrators. A police Special Investigation Task Group has been formed to focus on the case. (PNA)