DOJ orders probe into killing of Dinagat board member
SHOT DEAD. Dinagat Islands Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Wenefredo Olofernes is shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Surigao City on July 7, 2019. Photo from Dinagat Islands PIO's Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday, July 9, ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe into the killing of Dinagat Islands Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Wenefredo Olofernes.
Guevarra signed a department order that directs the NBI to "conduct an investigation and case buildup on the killing of Wenefredo Olofernes."
Olofernes was shot by an unidentified gunman on his way home from jogging at the Surigao City provincial grandstand on Sunday, July 7.
The gunman fired just one fatal shot that hit Olofernes' head.
Dinagat Islands provincial employees, in mourning, wore black during their flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 8.
Several provincial board members also filed a resolution condemning Olofernes' murder and seeking justice.
Olofernes' partner was riding a motorcycle with him when the shooting happened, and suffered bruises as they fell off the motorcycle.
Olofernes ran and won as an independent candidate in the May 2019 elections.
Dinagat Islands Governor Kaka Bag-ao has condemned the killing. – Rappler.com
