2008-07-16 18:02:04 -
Businessman gives self up on Delgado scion's slay
Manila www.balitapinoy.net
Businessman Luisito Gonzalez, tagged as principla suspect in the slaying of 51-year-old businessman Federico 'Rico' Delgado, surrendered on Wednesday afternoon to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) authorities and maintained his innocence.
At 2:30 p.m., Gonzalez, who was accompanied by his lawyers led by Lila Quirino, arrived at the NBI Office where he underwent fingerprints as part of the
regular procedure.
Gonzalez is the former husband of singer Kuh Ledesma.
Gonzalez and the victim were step-brothers.
As part of the procedure, the NBI agents presented Gonzalez to the Manila Regional Court (RTC). From the Manila RTC, the NBI agents brought Gonzalez back to the NBI jail at 4 p.m.
In a statement issued to newsmen, Gonzalez said he surrendered because he was innocent of the crime.
'Upon knowing that a warrant of arrest was issued by the court, Luisito Gonzalez, has voluntarily surrendered, notwithstanding his innocence in order to clear his name,' said Gonzalez's lawyers in a statement.
The statement further said: 'He is innocent of the charges made against him and he welcomes the opportunity to prove his innocence."
"Inspite of this, he wants nothing less than all charges for murder against him dropped for lack of probable cause. The case is pending for oral argument tomorrow, July 17, 2008 with head counsels Estelito Mendoza, Jose Flaminiano and Anacleto Diaz. We believe in the justice system to a speedy and fair resolution of this case to stop this terrible injustice.'
Delgado was found dead with multiple stab wounds last March 10, 2007 inside Mayflower Building on Leon Guinto Street in Malate, Manila.
During interview with mediamen, lawyer Quirino said Gonzalez was falsely accused since he was confined at the hospital's maximum-security ward of Makati Medical Center from March 7 to 18, so he could not have been at the scene of the crime on March 10.
'When he was in the rehab sa basement of Makati Medical Center, March 7 to March 18, he was fully sedated. Paano naman makakabangon ang bata.'
Manila Police District probers said Gonzalez has been identified by the prime witness in the case, Delgado's 20-year-old companion, Annaliza Pesico, who was severely injured during the attack.
(Balita Pinoy - Philippine News & Analysis)
