Look at evidence, not conjectures—Dumlao

MANILA – Superintendent Rafael Dumlao III on Tuesday said authorities should look at evidence instead of conjectures in determining his involvement in the kidnap-slay of Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

He, however, said he expected the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to indict him on the slay, even if he thinks it goes contrary to the evidence.

• READ: Police official, two others charged in Jee slay

"Tingnan natin kung ano ang mga ebidensiya talaga, hindi yung mga conjectures. Tulad niyan si Ms. Marissa Dawis Morquicho, sinasabi na nga niya na wala ako doon. Talaga naman wala ko doon at wala akong alam sa sinasabi nila,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

(Let us look at the evidence, not conjectures. Like Ms. Marissa Dawis Morquicho, she said I was not there. I was not, and I have no idea what the DOJ is talking about.)

Dumlao said DOJ has always shown bias against him.

"Biro mo, isa sa panel of prosecutors, nakipag-usap sa iyo. Bago pa niya nakita ang pieces of evidence, sasabihin niya na malakas ang ebidensiya laban sa iyo. Paano mo malalaman eh hindi mo pa nga nakikita ang mga pieces of evidence against the person," Dumlao said.

(Look, one of the panel of prosecutors speaks to you. Before he sees the pieces of evidence, he will say that the evidence against you is strong. How will you know, if you have not seen the pieces of evidence against the person?)

Dumlao, who is expecting his arrest warrant to come out anytime soon, said he will surrender to proper authorities at the Philippine National Police headquarters Camp Crame. He will then move for his immediate arraignment.

While his chances remain slim, he said he would use all available legal remedies.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos meanwhile said the PNP supports the DOJ’s decision.

“The PNP is one with the DOJ in giving justice to the family of the victim. The filing of charges against Supt. Rafael Dumlao will bolster the findings of the AKG (anti-kidnapping group) investigation of his participation in the commission of the crime,” Carlos said.

Following a reinvestigation, the DOJ elevated to court several cases against Dumlao and Jerry Omlang as principals, and Gerardo Santiago as accessory in the kidnap for ransom case with homicide related to the slay of Korean Jee Ick Joo.

In its resolution, the DOJ said Dumlao's denials "have no evidentiary weight and do not deserve our scant consideration."

Other cases filed against the suspects were one of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with Jee’s house help, and carnapping for taking Jee’s Ford Explorer.