DOJ starts probe of concert deaths

The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday started its preliminary investigation on criminal charges against several executives of Unilever Philippines over the death of five people during the Closeup Forever Summer concert in Pasay City last year.

The respondents failed to appear in the hearing on charges of criminal negligence and violation of the Corporation Code filed by the National Bureau of Investigation last month.

Investigating Associate Prosecution Attorney Anna Noreen Devanadera then set the next hearing on March 17.

The respondents – Rohit Jawa, former Unilever Phils. chairman and now the regional executive vice president for operations in South East Asia; Jesus Canlapan, manager for workplace services and facility security; Alberto Curnelius Trinidad, marketing director for Closeup product; Joy Dalanon- Ocampo, manager for safety, health and environment; procurement manager Melissa Alcayaga and Closeup assistant brand manager Bea Lagdameo – only sent their corporate lawyers to receive the documents from the DOJ.

The other respondents are organizers of the event: Michelle Suzanne Claire Quintana, Anna Kristina Doctolero and Baby Majalia Ahamadul of Activation Advertising Inc.; Reginald Soriano, Eduardo Muego and John Paul Demontano of HypeHouse Production Corp. and Alexis Engelberto Aragon of Delirium Manpower Services.

During the hearing, the NBI presented its witnesses, who subscribed to their respective affidavits.

The camp of the victims, on the other hand, is considering filing an amended complaint to include other executives of Unilever and the advertising firm that organized the event.