Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman has finally held 10 navy officers accountable for the death of a young ensign, 16 years after the celebrated case made headlines.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Wednesday, overturned a June 15, 2009 joint resolution that dismissed the criminal and administrative charges filed by spouses Felipe and Evelyn Pestaño for the September 27, 1995 murder of their son, Navy Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño, as she granted the Pestaño spouses' appeal for the tribunal to reconsider its decision.
Navy Spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Omar Tonsay said the navy will be filing charges against the concerned officers and men.
The case had initially been regarded as "suicide," after investigators found a pistol used for killing Pestaño beside his body. However, 16 years after the tragic incident, the anti-graft tribunal is saying that murder caused the young officer's death.
Carpio-Morales found probable cause to indict the 10 Navy officials for the murder of Pestaño. The officials include Capt. Ricardo Ordoñez, Cmdr Reynaldo Lopez, HM2 Welmenio Aquino, LCdr. Luidegar Casis, LCdr. Alfrederick Alba, MR2 Sandy Miranda, LCdr. Joselito Colico, LCdr. Ruben Roque, Petty Officer 1st Class Carlito Amoroso, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Mil Leonor Igcasan.
Of the accused officers, those who had retired include Ordoñez, Roque, Amoroso and Igcasan
Likewise, the Ombudsman found the suspects administratively liable for grave misconduct and ordered them dismissed from the service.
Carpio-Morales said they have strong reason to believe that the officers had conspired to murder Pestaño.
On Sept. 27, 1995, the young officer was found dead inside his cabin aboard the BRP Bacolod City with gunshot wound in the head.
Probers initially surmised that the death had been a suicide, but it was found out, based on documents presented by his parents, that Pestaño's killing had been planned.
Days prior to his death, the young Pestaño had written a letter to his parents that detailed conspiracy among officers and crew of the BRP Bacolod City to smuggle logs illegally.
Pestaño being a key officer in the ship had refused to sign the boarding manifesto for the illegal shipment.
