PNP declares death linked to 'Pieta-like' photo solved

Jennilyn Olayres holding the lifeless body of Michael Siaron. FILE PHOTO

The photo of Jennilyn Olayres as she held the lifeless body of her live in partner Michael Siaron was posted in local and international publications because of its similarity to a popular 15th century sculpture.

The image that showed Jennilyn's grief was compared to Michelangelo's "Pieta," which depicts Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus.

Siaron was shot dead by unidentified assailants, who also placed a carton with the words "Wag tularan si Siaron dahil pusher umano."

About three months after he was killed, the Siaron family continues to mourn his death and maintain that Michael is not a drug pusher.

On Friday, GMA News' Mariz umali reported on "Saksi" that the police declared the killing of Michael as "case closed."

The suspected killer has been identified through a ballistic exam on the recovered firearm as Nesty Santiago.

Santiago is a member of a syndicate involved in robbery hold up, carnapping, gun for hire, and the illegal drugs trade.

"Gamit ni Nesty Baril na involved sa 6 other cases. It turns out nag match sa iba pang slug na nakuha sa 5 other shooting incidents, all involved in drug activities,"

"siguro nagka onsehan or turf war area ko toh 'wag ka pupunta,"

However, there will be no further investigation into the case because Santiago himself was killed by men riding in tandem on Dec. 29, 2016.

However, the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers expressed doubt on the turn of events.

"Di maiwasan taumbayan na mag-isip na may cover up. It's a very convenient excuse given the bloody drug war and police enjoys low credibility since a dead man tells no tales, At the end of the day, di na-solve ang kaso," said Atty. Maria Cristina Yambot, NUPL spokesperson.

The Siaron case may be considered solved, but another case is added to the already increasing number of homicides under investigation that the police force are expected to solve.  — BAP, GMA News