CIDG solves ‘slay case turned cold’ in 10 days

BANGUED, Abra -- A murder case here that has turned “cold” since it was committed last year, was declared solved in 10 days by detectives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

In his report to CIDG chief, Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Cordillera CIDG chief, Senior Supt. Pedro Austria, Jr. said in just 10 days since the CIDG took over the investigation of the murder of Michael Bernal, the case was cracked and a murder case was filed against the alleged killer, Vergel Villastiqui.

The CIDG said Bernal was killed night of Oct. 2, 2011 after he was allegedly shot here by Villastiqui and two other unidentified suspects along Taft St., Zone 5.

Austria said that the investigation on the case did not move for almost six months until the local police finally recommended the case to the CIDG for investigation last March 13.

Austria said that after careful examination of the evidence and the records of the case, the CIDG strongly concluded that Villastique and his two other companions were behind the killing of Bernal.

Revenge was the possible motive of the shooting incident, he said.

The CIDG filed the case against Villastique at the Abra Provincial Prosecutor Office last March 2