ILOILO —The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Western Visayas acknowledged the complexity surrounding the death of graduating nursing student Frank Rois Barbasa, whose severely burned remains were discovered in Pavia, Iloilo, and vowed to uncover the truth behind the controversial case.
“I cannot provide a specific timeline for the investigation,” said NBI Region 6 director Atty. Jeremiah Sargado.
He confirmed that the agency has begun its own probe following a request from Barbasa’s family for a deeper and more exhaustive investigation into the discovery of the severely burned remains inside Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Ungka I, Pavia, on April 29.
Despite the lapse of time since the discovery of the remains, Sargado assured the public that the NBI remains committed to determining what truly happened.
“We are coordinating with the Philippine National Police regarding the evidence they have gathered and will conduct our own investigation,” said Sargado.
He added that the NBI has already visited the crime scene, gathered photographs, and started the preliminary stages of its independent inquiry.
“It will indeed be difficult for us, but we will do everything within our capabilities,” Sargado stressed.
The parallel investigation comes as public interest and online speculation surrounding Barbasa’s death continue to intensify, prompting renewed appeals from the family for restraint and respect.
According to Police Captain Ritz Field Presquito of the Pavia Municipal Police Station, Barbasa’s mother has appealed to the public to stop speculating on the circumstances surrounding her son’s death while the investigation is ongoing.
The family is also awaiting the results of DNA testing and a second autopsy conducted by Dr. Owen Lebaquin on May 4.
Authorities said the body underwent histopathological examinations on the skull, trachea, and lungs to determine possible signs of hematoma or external injuries. Results are expected within a month.
Meanwhile, the University of San Agustin College of Nursing and the Nursing Student Council expressed grief over the death of the graduating student, with the academic community offering prayers and support to the bereaved family.
The family likewise appealed for understanding as authorities continue what they described as a careful and comprehensive investigation into a case that has gripped public attention across Western Visayas./PN
