MANILA, Philippines - The man who allegedly defaced the tomb of slain senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. is the same person accosted by the Presidential Security Group on Oct. 31 for trying to go near President Aquino.
Police identified the man as Mariano Peralta Alganion from Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
“This person created a small commotion in the area when he tried to enter the cordoned area claiming that he needs to hand over some documents to the President,” a report by Parañaque City police chief Senior Superintendent Billy Beltran read. The report, obtained by The STAR, was dated Dec. 26.
According to the report, Alganion’s picture with his name on it was found together with handwritten and computerized notes left on Ninoy’s tomb at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Christmas Day.
Police are also eyeing Alganion as the one responsible for spilling used engine oil on Ninoy’s tomb, and the carving found on it.
Beltran, in another report dated Dec. 27, described these incidents as “well orchestrated.”
According to Beltran, the carving on Ninoy’s tomb was relayed to the President on Dec. 25, when he and his sisters visited the burial site on Christmas Day about 4 p.m.
The President asked the police to investigate the incident before he left at 4:55 p.m.
“After the departure of the President, the suspect again feloniously spilled (used engine oil on) the tomb of the former senator,” Beltran said.
Police believe the second incident took place at about 6 p.m., after the guard posted at the burial site left. When the guard returned 20 minutes later, he discovered the spilled oil and three pieces of paper posted on the tomb with adhesive tape.
Police are searching for Alganion. Beltran said the suspect can be charged with malicious mischief. - By Aie Balagtas See
