Rape-slay suspect, cops test negative for gunpowder

The rape-slay suspect who allegedly committed suicide in the compound of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) at Camp Crame on Tuesday tested negative for gunpowder nitrates, an official said yesterday.

This was the result of the paraffin test conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory on Larry Herrera, who admitted to kidnapping, raping and killing an eight-year-old girl in Jaen, Nueva Ecija.

Senior Superintendent Ligaya Sim, Crime Lab deputy for administration, said the test is inconclusive, noting that Herrera’s two police escorts, Police Officer 2 Felix Parafina and Senior Police Officer 1 Grant Chaluyen, also tested negative for gunpowder nitrates.

“There are several factors that sometimes cause negative results,” Sim said in a text message.

She cited some of these reasons as wind direction and the type of firearm that was used.

Herrera allegedly grabbed the 9mm pistol of Parafina and shot himself. He just came from the Department of Justice in Manila, where he underwent inquest proceedings.

Police are still waiting for the results of the autopsy and ballistics examinations.

The PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is conducting an investigation to determine if there was foul play in Herrera’s death.

“They are claiming it was suicide. We are investigating if there was foul play,” IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said in a phone interview.

Parafina, in a television interview, said he tried to stop Herrera when the latter grabbed his firearm “but I could no longer reach him.”

Before he was brought to the DOJ, Herrera was still in a jolly mood according to Herrera. His mood changed when he was brought back to the AKG compound.