Suspect in Ilonggo OFW’s death invited for questioning

THE Filipino suspect in the killing of Ilonggo migrant worker, Angelo Claveria, was invited for questioning by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Angeles, Pampanga.

A source from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Regional Consulate Office in Iloilo City clarified it was not an “arrest”, as reported by a local radio station.

“It was not an arrest but he was only invited for questioning,” the source said.

The male suspect was questioned by the CIDG in Angeles, Pampanga on Sept 17, based on the official communication that the DFA received from the Korean authorities.

The skeletal remains of Claveria, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Cabatuan, Iloilo, were found in a septic tank of a water purifier in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on April 3. He worked in a factory and went missing since 2016.

The source claimed he has yet to have full details as to the identity of the suspect. He further refrained from divulging further details of the investigation as the case is handled by the Korean authorities in coordination with the CIDG, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

“There is an Office of Public Diplomacy in Manila and there was an instruction from them that we should refrain from issuing any statement if the information is not clear or verified,” he said.

The DFA source also has yet to verify whether the suspect was already released or still under the authority of the CIDG.

It will be the NBI who will file for the issuance of the warrant of arrest depending on the result of the investigation.

The Korean authorities also coordinate with the local police to process the extradition of the suspect to South Korea.

Mary Mae Claveria, younger sister of Angelo, said they also received an email from the Korean police that the suspect was arrested.

But she stressed it was later on clarified by the DFA that the suspect was only invited for questioning.

She added that no name was provided to them because the investigation is confidential.

But she said the latest update gave hope to the family that the death of her brother will finally be given justice.

“Nalipay gid kami kay ti subong positibo ang report nga nabaton namon. May chance na ma-tagaan justice ang amon manghod kag maglinong ang iya nga kalag,” she said.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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