Gisela’s sis to join divers in search
Mikay Bendong, one of the sisters of Bien Unido Mayor Gisela Boniel had been experiencing sleepless nights because of what happened to her sister.
But what was more painful for Bendong was the fact that they could not let their sick mother know that their youngest sibling has gone missing.
The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) led by Senior Supt. Rommel Cabagnot happened to met Bendong while the search for the mayor continued yesterday off the seas of Caubian and Olango Islands in Mactan.
Bendong got home from Dubai last Wednesday. She then visited the site where Gisela was believed to have been thrown af- ter she was allegedly killed by her husband Bohol Provincial Board Member Niño Rey Boniel.
Bendong was dismayed at the failure of the local government of Bien Unido to extend financial support or coordination in searching for the missing mayor.
She will join the volunteers today in the last day of the search. The Bendong family will not complain should the local police decide to terminate the search. However, if they find relevant items under the water that could help lead to the mayor’s whereabouts, then the search should resume, she said.
“Bilib ko nila. Di lalim ilang gihimo (The divers’ act is laudable. Their daily dive is not easy),” Bendong told reporters yesterday.
Divers led by Cebu City Police Station 4 Chief Jacinto Mandal had to dives yesterday. They searched the waters near Barangay Tingo in Olango, which is the site pointed to by Niño Rey’s cousin Reolito “Etad” Boniel, the suspect-turned witness, where Gisela was thrown last month. Their search yielded none. Cabagnot said they will move to the seas near Camotes Island during their operation today. Also, yesterday two fishermen met Cabagnot and shared odd experiences on how they heard a cry of a woman when their boat passed the waters between Caubian and Olango the other day.
The area where the fishermen referred to was the same spot where divers found a blanket, which was believed to be from the resort where Gisela and her best friend stayed before she was abducted and killed last June 7.