• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As far as Capitol Security and Safety Division chief Renelo Lastierre is concerned, the discovery of two bullets believed to that of a 9mm pistol on July 3, at the stairs of the Food Terminal Market of Occidental Negros in Bacolod City is “case closed.”
This came after a person, who presented an identification card that connected him to a military intelligence unit, surfaced on July 3 and claimed that the bullets accidentally fell from his bag, Lastierre said.
He said that the discovery of the bullets coincided with the renewal of contracts of job order and contract of service employees at the FTMON also on July 3.
Initial reports of the Provincial Legal Office indicated that the employee of the Capitol Human Resource office reported the discovery of bullets, and also noticed the presence of man exhibiting suspicious behavior, wearing gray clothes with a knapsack.
Lastierre, however said he is not inclined to believe that the intention or motive was a form of threat to anyone in the provincial government. If nobody had surfaced to claim the ownership of bullets, we can say that there is a possibility, he added.
He said the recorded interview with the owner of the bullets and details of their investigation was already forwarded to Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz on July 3, after being ordered to conduct a thorough probe.
In compliance with the orders issued him, Lastierre said he thought the case was “closed.”
Three days after the discovery of bullets, Lastierre said he was stripped of his supervision of “blue guards,” vehicles issued to SSD were recalled, including his firearm. He however retains supervision over more than 50 Capitol paid watchmen.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas was designated as overall head of the security guards hired by the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
Lastierre also reported that the job contracts of four casual employees assigned at the SSD were not renewed, which is the discretion of the provincial government, which he respects.
If they have doubts on our investigation, the SSD chief said they can always summon the person who claims to be owner of the bullets.
As to claims that the discovery of bullets may have something to do the removal of some Job Order and Contract of Service employees, Lastierre dismissed it as remote, stressing also “it is only in their minds.”*
