THE TRAGEDY IN THE SURFING CAPITAL

Siargao, known globally as the surfing capital of the Philippines, was home to Diego Bello Lafuente, a 32-year-old Spanish national from La Coruña.

Diego had established a successful life there since 2018, opening several businesses, including bars and a surf shop, and was well-liked by the local community.

His dream life ended tragically in the early hours of January 8, 2020.

His partner, Gina Domino, testified that moments after receiving a text from Diego saying he was on his way home, she heard his motorbike, followed immediately by screams and multiple gunshots.

THE POLICE NARRATIVE DISMANTLED

Local police, led by Captain Wise Vicente Panuelos, quickly declared the event a successful “buy-bust operation,” asserting that Diego was the region’s number one drug lord who resisted arrest and was killed in a shootout.

They claimed to have recovered a firearm and a belt bag containing cocaine from his body.

However, this narrative was swiftly challenged. The Spanish Embassy and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) demanded an investigation.

Two separate autopsies—one in Manila and one in Spain—revealed that Diego had been hit by six bullets, and critically, tested negative for all illegal substances.

THE CASE OF THE PLANTED EVIDENCE

The investigation, driven by the NBI and CHR, confirmed the police’s story was fabricated. Forensic and ballistic reports contradicted the claim of a shootout, and witness testimonies confirmed they heard no police warning shouts.

Most damningly, the prosecution presented a key piece of evidence: security camera footage showed that Diego was not wearing the fanny pack (belt bag) allegedly containing the cocaine when he left a local bar moments before his death.

The evidence strongly suggested the cocaine and the firearm were planted on his body by the police after he was fatally shot.

A POSSIBLE HIDDEN MOTIVE

The investigation also uncovered a potential motive beyond the staged drug bust. A business partner testified about a heated confrontation months earlier between Diego and former Governor Miguel Luis Villafuerte over noise complaints from Diego’s bar.

The Governor allegedly made threats, including saying he could have them “eliminated.” While this angle was not the focus of the charges, it contributed to the widespread belief that Diego was targeted.

THE ROAD TO JUSTICE

Despite the clear evidence, the investigation moved slowly.

In March 2022, the Department of Justice recommended filing charges of murder and falsification of evidence against three former police officers: Captain Wise Vicente Panuelos, Staff Sergeant Ronel Pazo, and Staff Sergeant Nel Boy Test.

After months as fugitives, the three officers surrendered in February 2023.

Due to concerns over witness safety and the slow pace of the judiciary in Surigao del Norte, the Department of Justice successfully requested that the Supreme Court transfer the trial to Manila.

The trial officially commenced in August 2023 and is ongoing, albeit delayed by the Philippines’ slow judicial process.

The prosecution is committed to proving that the three former officers orchestrated the execution and subsequent cover-up of Diego Bello Lafuente.