Maguindanao massacre state witness’ fatal fall still under investigation; Authorities ask: "Suicide or foul play?"

Interaksyon.com reports that authorities are still investigating whether the fatal fall of Hernanie Decipulo, 38-a state witness in ongoing trials for the Ampatuan Massacre-was a case of suicide, or the result of foul play. Decipulo fell to his death from fourth floor of the Quezon City Jail Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

However, the Interaksyon.com noted: "But Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Director Rosendo Dial, in a phone interview, claimed that (Decipulo) jumped to his death from the roof of the jail after talking to his wife." The report revealed that Decipulo and his wife were talking at the rooftop, which is "the designated visitation area for police officers accused in the massacre." Dial, citing the wife’s account, revealed that Decipulo had told her, "Mauuna na ako sa iyo (I’ll go ahead of you)." Then, he just jumped.

The report quoted Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Peter Medalle, who said, "We will wait for the results of the police investigation. There are two sides to a coin. We cannot say if it was suicide or he was pushed." According to the report, Decipulo was a suspect in the November 23, 2009 massacre, where 58 people were killed.

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