ILOILO — The family of Frank Rois Barbasa has expressed serious doubts regarding the ongoing police investigation into his death, formally seeking the intervention of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The move follows the discovery of a charred body in Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo, on the morning of April 29. The remains are believed to be those of the 22-year-old Frank, a graduating nursing student from Barangay Punta Tabuc, Roxas City, Capiz.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Roxas, Noel Arciga, Frank’s grandfather, described his grandson as a kind, respectful, and well-adjusted young man. He firmly denied rumors that the family was burdened by debt or that Frank had a gambling problem, asserting their financial stability.
“Kay Kian (Frank), Kian namon siya tawgon, mahambal ko lang nga mabuot gid ina sa nga pagkabata… kag diri gapuropamasyar na siya kag ga uru-istroya man na kami gamay, pero ma respetuhon gid na sa nga bata,” Arciga said.
Arciga also highlighted Frank’s close-knit relationship with his relatives. “Sila nga mag cousin, very close gid na sila ya. ‘Di man ako ka ano gid eh kay nag-abroad man ko, last 2020 na ako nag-stay na, pero sila nga cousins, mga first cousins ya gid, very close gid na sila ya,” he added.
The family is pushing back against the theory that Frank took his own life. Arciga emphasized that his academic performance at a prestigious institution like the University of San Agustin contradicts the image of a student distracted by vice.
“Negative. Wala kami nagapati sina nga ginahambal nga may mga kautangan siya ya… kag hambal nila nga naga sugal siya,” the grandfather stated. “Kag panumdumon mo nga kon nursing student ka nga ga eskwela ka sa San Agustin, daw indi man na ya basta-basta nga eskwelahan kag ma maintain mo ang standard of grades mo. Kay kon gasugal na siya or ano, daw impossible nga makapasar na siya sa eskwelahan.”
He lamented further, “Halin sang elementary and high school, wala gid na siya trouble.”
Regarding the suicide claims currently being explored by local authorities, Arciga remains skeptical: “Wala kami sina nagapati... Bati ko nga ginpa second autopsy so mahulat naman kita ka resulta. Wala kami sina gapati sa ginapagwa sang kapulisan nga nag suicide siya. Daw maka duluda inang ila nga ginapagwa.”
NBI-6 intervention
NBI Region 6 director Atty. Jeremiah Sargado confirmed that the Barbasa family reached out for assistance prior to their formal request.
He said the NBI plans to form a specialized team to conduct a parallel inquiry to provide the clarity the family is seeking.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), meanwhile, stated they respect the family’s decision to involve the NBI, acknowledging the importance of a thorough investigation.
Barbasa family commissioned a second autopsy, conducted by Dr. Owen Lebaquin on May 4, due to dissatisfaction with the initial findings. This examination focused on the skull, trachea, and lungs to check for signs of hematoma or external injury. Results are expected in a month.
The initial autopsy conducted by Dr. Martin Joe Fuentes revealed that Frank was alive while engulfed in flames, having inhaled gas and bitten his tongue. Although the cause of death was recorded as “severe burns” with no signs of struggle, Police Captain Ritz Field Presquito of the Pavia police station declared “no foul play.”
However, the family remains unconvinced, despite police citing “troubling evidence” found on Frank’s phone, including search history related to gasoline and flammable clothing. The Barbasa family continues to call for public respect and an end to the spread of unverified information as they await the NBI’s findings./PN
