Get the suspects in the killing of Atty. Mia Mascarinas Green “dead or alive.”

This marching order was issued last Monday by the highest ranking police officer in Central Visayas after multi-sectoral representations reached his office for the immediate solution of the brutal killing of the 49-year old crusading lawyer last Feb 15 when she was ambushed on board her Toyota Innova car with her three children on board.

Police Regional Office-7 Director Noli Taliño issued the directive on Monday against the suspects who police identified as  Lloyd Gonzaga and  Romarico Benigian. According to Taliño, he has directed policemen to use necessary force if the suspects resist arrest.

The PRO-7 chief also ordered the review of other murder cases in Bohol which is being coordinated by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Bohol chapter).

Atty. Ted Lagang, IBP-Bohol president told the Chronicle after the burial of the slain lawyer that formal murder charges will be filed tomorrow after the completion of all affidavits issued by eye witnesses who positively identified the two as the triggermen of the senseless killing of the crusading lawyer.

Bohol PNP Prov’l Director Felipe Natividad, head of Task Force Mia told the Chronicle that the joint team handling the case is finalizing the affidavits in order to ensure the conviction of the suspects. 

For his part, City Police Chief Nicomedes Olayvar confirmed the eye witnesses’ claim that it was Gonzaga who allegedly pumped the bullets on the lady lawyer, three of which bullets hit her head.

Senior Insp. Vincent Paul Dumaguing, Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) spokesman, saidthe BPPO will still carry out lawful means in apprehending the suspects whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The BPPO is still uncertain whether the suspects have indeed left Bohol as they have not dismissed the possibility that Gonzaga and Benigian are still in the province.

For her part, Conrada Otero Blomquist, Green’s client and Gonzaga’s mother-in-law called for justice as she told authorities that the shooting incident erupted from a property dispute between her and the latter.

Meanwhile, reward for any information on the whereabouts of the suspects has reached P600,000, P100,000 and P500,000 of which are from various groups and Green’s family, respectively.

The crusading lawyer was afforded a “hero’s burial” at the Dampas Catholic Cemetery yesterday afternoon.

Prior to the burial rites, a requiem Mass officiated by Bishop Abet Uy with 14 other priests was held at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Bishop Uy said the death of Mia is like a mystery as we ask why God allowed it to happen. To the bereaved family, it remains a reason to bond more in love. He likewise urged the perpetrators to yield as authorities should not stop until justice is achieved    

Stuart Geeen, the widower, said the family will never bear hatred as love conquers all. He was full of admiration  to his departed wife.

Others who paid glowing tribute to the slain lawyer were Atty. Ted Lagang, IBP Bohol Chapter president; Batuan Mayor Dodo Jumawid, Cesar Mascarinas, Dr. Cesar Cumba, Jocelyn Mascarinas, Mia”s sister and Sarah Geen, Mia’s mother-in-law.      

The requiem mass was covered live over DYRD-AM Worldwide.