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By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
THE Department of Justice ordered the immediate
investigation and indictment of officials of ABS-CBN over the
February 4, 2006 stampede that transpired during the first
anniversary of the popular television show, Wowowee, where 74 people
were killed.
In a one-page memorandum, Justice Secretary Raul
Gonzalez instructed Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera to reconvene
the panel of investigating prosecutors to proceed with the case,
because the Supreme Court already gave the greenlight to prosecute
ABS-CBN officials before the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
“You are hereby directed to immediately
reconvene the panel of investigating prosecutors of the
above-mentioned case, complete the preliminary investigation,
resolve the case, and file the corresponding information with
dispatch considering that this office has not received any motion
for reconsideration filed with the Supreme Court,” the memorandum
stated.
The said memorandum will mandate the Justice
department panel to resolve the pending charges against the other
personalities with pending preliminary investigation, which include
former Pasig Mayor Vicente Eusebio.
In August 2007, the Justice department made its
ruling in a petition for review case which stipulated that actor
Willie Revillame is now cleared from the charges of reckless
imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and physical injuries.
The department gave weight to the defense of
Revillame that as a television host, it is his job to invite the
people to attend the anniversary celebration of Wowowee.
The personalities who were earlier indicted
before the Pasig court include officials of ABS-CBN: Charo Santos-Concio,
executive vice-president; Maria Socorro Vidanes, senior
vice-president for television production; Marilou Almaden, executive
producer; and Cipriano Luspo, assistant vice-president and head of
security.
Also charged were: Moly Stewart, Wowowee
executive producer and manager; Harold James Nueva, associate
producer for sets; Norberto Vidanes, Wowowee director; Rey
Cayabyab, assistant location manager and security coordinator;
Francisco Rivera, location manager; Mel Feliciano, assistant
director; and Jean Owen Garcia, floor director. Several others were
also included.
Also ordered by the Justice department to
undergo further investigation were former Pasig Mayor Vicente
Eusebio; former Pasig City Police Chief Raul Medina; Senior Insp.
Henry Asuela; and Insp. Khaddafy Bitor.
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