Three persons in Diergos’ slay  undergo lie detector test

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Three persons who might be able to shed light on the murder of businesswoman Claire Diergos voluntarily submitted themselves to polygraph or lie detector test.

But Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, temporarily declined to name the individuals as not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

Gorero said the trio voluntarily underwent the technical test Wednesday morning.

A polygraph, popularly referred to as a lie detector test, is a device or procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators like blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked and answers a series of questions.

In some countries, polygraphs are used as an interrogation technique on criminal suspects or witnesses.

Gorero said a polygraph machine recently arrived in Iloilo from the PNP national headquarters, along with its technician and interpreter.

“If we are going to make them as witnesses, we must ascertain if they are telling the truth. We need credible witnesses so that the case that would be filed against the suspect/s would stand in court,” he said.

Gorero said the result of the polygraph test would help to rule or invalidate the leads that members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are pursuing.

“Information has been continually coming in. We should discern what information is vital to our case,” he said.

Gorero said the SIT is looking forward to other persons who would come out and provide relevant information to the Diergos case.

Investigators have yet to rule or pinpoint to any prime suspect/s behind the killing of the 36-year-old businesswoman.

On Tuesday, Gorero encouraged individuals who have knowledge of the crime to contact the SIT hotline via mobile number 0998-967-3719.

Informants could also send a message to Iloilo Police Provincial Office Facebook Page’s Messenger.

Police earlier said they are looking into three possible motives in Claire’s death.

Major Raymond Celoso, Sta. Barbara police chief, enumerated these motives as revenge, jealousy, and robbery.

Given the number of angles to police are looking into, several persons are also deemed as persons of interest.