Aguirre orders probe on killing of former fiscal

MANILA -- Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the killing of former prosecutor in Mandaluyong City.

Aguirre on Monday issued Department Order No.575 directing NBI Director Dante Gierran to investigate and build-up the case on the death of Mandaluyong prosecutor Pablito Gahol, who was ambushed by two motorcycleriding men last Sept. 2.

"The NBI is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct investigation and case build-up over the killing of former City Prosecutor Pablito A. Gahol and if evidence so warrants, to file appropriate charges thereon,” Aguirre said in his order dated Sept. 4, 2017.

Gahol, chairman of Barangay Mauway in Mandaluyong, was shot over the weekend by unidentified gunmen on motorcycle in front of Mataas na Paaralan ng Neptali Gonzales along Nuebe de Pebrero St. in Bar angay Mauway.

Gahol is the sixth prosecutor attacked since October 2016.

In July, Rizal Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Maria S. Ronatay, was ambushed and gunned down by riding-intandem men.

In February, Caloocan City Prosecutor Diosdado Azarcon, the fourth prosecutor, was shot thrice in the head by a motorcycle riding gunman outside his house along Brgy 63 Kapas St., in Caloocan while he was on his way to work.

Also in February, Surigao City prosecutor Manuel Tesiorna was the third prosecutor attacked.

On Jan. 11, Quezon City Prosecutor Noel Mingoa was shot at close range outside a restaurant along Commonwealth Avenue.

Mati City Prosecutor Rolando Acido was shot dead outside Mati City Hall of Justice last Oct. 26, 2016.