PNP refers Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla’s case to DOJ for evaluation

Sen. Bong Revilla comforts his son, Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, on March 3, 2015 at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa City (Photo courtesy of Atty. Raymond Fortun and the office of Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr.)

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has referred for further evaluation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) all facts and circumstances surrounding the shooting incident involving Cavite Vice Gov. Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III last February.

Senior Supt. Bartolome C. Tobias, Philippine National Police public information office (PIO) chief, said on Tuesday the referral to the DOJ will determine whether or not there has been a violation of criminal and administrative laws and regulations as a result of the incident, and further determine who are liable for such violation.

“We will wait for DOJ’s decision. From there, we will proceed to the next move,” Tobias said during a press briefing at the PNP Press Corps Office in Camp Crame.

He noted that the case involves multiple jurisdictions that prompted NCRPO to refer the case to the DOJ for evaluation and interpretation as to who and where the case is to be filed in relation to Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013.

Earlier, NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria submitted a letter on April 28, 2015 to DOJ Secretary Leila M. De Lima and duly received by the DOJ on May 4, seeking further evaluation by the DOJ of the records of investigation gathered by the NCRPO regarding the shooting incident involving Revilla.

“Prudence dictates that further evaluation of evidence and facts from your office is necessary for the determination of violation of law committed by Ramon “Jolo” Mercado Revilla III (Cavite Vice Governor), Renato Abutan (Cavite Provincial Administrator), and Engr. Leopoldo G. Talatala (General Services Officer, Province of Cavite) concerning the transfer and possession of the firearm involved in the incident. In addition, the undersigned deemed it proper to forward the matter to your office since it potentially involves prosecution of cases in different jurisdictions,” Valmoria told De Lima.

Tobias said documents obtained by NCRPO established the alleged individual roles of Revilla, Abutan and Talatala in the transfer of the firearm owned by the provincial government of Cavite to the possession of Vice Gov. Revilla in his residence in Ayala-Alabang, Muntinlupa City where the alleged shooting incident happened.

In addition, Tobias said the PNP is not delaying the case nor favoring somebody.

“We need the correct interpretation and application of the law. We want to be sure and we are doing our best for the case,” he added.

Jolo Revilla stayed for a month to recuperate at his parents’ house in Ayala-Alabang Village, where he allegedly accidentally shot himself while cleaning his Glock caliber .40 gun last Feb. 28.