THE family of slain Bien Unido, Bohol Mayor Gisela Bendong-Boniel is asking for privacy as the family grieves for her death.
The handwritten letter of Gisela's family which was handed to the media on Wednesday, June 14, said they are closely coordinating with the authorities for the retrieval of Gisela's body.
The family also added that they not asking any amount or solicitation on the operation, contrary to the rumors circulating that they are doing otherwise.
The family said they are certain that justice for Gisela will be served.
Police Regional Office-Central Visayas Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño said that the family wants to have the case resolved immediately.
Taliño said a parricide case has already been filed against Bohol Board Member Niño Rey Boniel on Tuesday, June 13.
"I'm very happy that we were able to file a case against Board Member Boniel. It's a parricide case. Nakita naman ng panel of prosecutors na valid yung ginawang pag aresto kay Board Member Boniel (The panel of prosecutors saw that the arrest of Board Member Boniel was valid)," Taliño said.
Taliño also said that Riolito Boniel, the cousin of Niño Rey, and driver Randel Lupas, who were also charged with parricide, will volunteer as state witness.
Taliño said that Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto offered help in the search and rescue operation of Gisela.
He also said they will halt all search and rescue operations if Gisela's body is not yet found in 15 days.
He added that the license of Niño's firearm expired in December 2015 and he had also undergone paraffin test.
Taliño expressed confidence that the case filed against Niño Rey will prosper.
"With all these evidences and witnesses that we will present in court, we are confident na magpo-prosper itong kasong ito (that this case will prosper)," he said.
Taliño said Niño Rey remains under the custody of Cebu City Police Station 2.
Gisela Boniel was shot by husband Niño Rey Boniel on June 7 while aboard a pumpboat and was thrown off Caubian Island in Lapu-Lapu City. (With Franz Correa/VoxPop Philippines)
