Police authorities said earlier today, April 16, that the paraffin test on ABS-CBN News anchor Ted Failon turned out to be negative, although they clarified that it is "inconclusive." The test was taken in connection with the shooting of Ted's wife, Trinidad "Trina" Entong, Wednesday morning, April 15.
However, it is not yet clear whether the shooting incident happened in their home at Tierra Pura Homes in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, or inside a vehicle as earlier reported.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales stated in a press conference held at Camp Karingal in Quezon City earlier today, that they are still gathering evidence to shed light on Trina's shooting. Furthermore, he noted that the supposedly written suicide note from Trinidad might actually be something else. "It's a 'sorry' note," Rosales said.
For now, the authorities are investigating whether the note was written by Trina herself. When asked if they would file charges on Failon, Rosales only said, "We have to wait for the final results..."
Rosales also made it clear that the investigation would be fair and according to due process. "Walang sacred cow," he said. "I would like to emphasize that we would treat this case like any other case."
FINANCIAL WOES A FACTOR? Ted Failon's interview with Bandila's Ces Drilon late last night gave light to what may have caused Trinidad's shooting.
"It's all about the family's finances," said Ted. "Kung ano man ang problema na 'yan, kung pera man 'yan o anuman, kikitain ko lang 'yan."
Ted said that he and his wife both talked about the issue at 1:30 a.m., Wednesday. Since both came from poor families, Ted assured his wife that it was really not a problem. "Mommy, galing tayo sa wala, e, di pinoproblema 'yan."
Ted clarified in the interview that the "po" words on Trina's alleged note should be read as "pa," short for "papa."
According to Ted, their discussion ended prematurely. But they agreed that they would talk again later on the same day.
While Ted was on board his show Tambalang Failon at Sanchez on dzMM, he allegedly called his wife but there was no answer. Calling the household help, Ted instructed the helper to get Trina on the line, but found out that she was in the bathroom. Finally, when he got hold of Trina, she only said: "Papa, wala akong mukhang ihaharap sa iyo."
After hearing these words, Ted said that he decided to leave early from his program and go home.
When he reached home, he said that he found out that his wife locked herself in the bathroom. When it was opened, Ted saw his wife lying in a pool of blood. When asked if there was any physical fight between him and his wife, Ted said: "Ni minsan [no]..."
The Walther PPK .380 sidearm that his wife used in the alleged suicide attempt was licensed, according to Ted. He also pointed out that he had taught Trina how to use it to defend herself and that she knew where to find it just in case.
At press time, Trina is still in critical condition at the New Era Hospital. Attending surgeon Dr. Adonis Gascon told ABS-CBN News that her vital signs are still unstable. He also made it clear that she is not clinically dead and that brain surgery is not an option.
DAUGHTER BELIEVES IT WAS SUICIDE ATTEMPT. Ted's daughter Kaye told GMA News that her father is innocent and that her mother tried to commit suicide. She commented that rumors about her father commiting the crime are "stupid."
"Isa po itong malaking kalokohan na pagbintangan si Papa na isang suspect...Wala po siya roon. Hindi ba dapat innocent until proven guilty? Hindi po ako naniniwala na suspect ang tatay ko," Kaye said.
When asked about the note allegedly written by her mother, Kaye said, "I know my mother's handwriting. Noon nakita ko yung sulat, alam ko po na yun ang sulat ni Mama."
Kaye appeals to the public to respect their privacy. She has also expressed her disappointment about the issue being made into a "spectacle."
"Isa itong napakasakit na tragedy na ginagawa nilang spectacle. Kahit sa sinong pamilya, puwedeng mangyari to. Pero ang pinakamasakit na nangyari sa amin ay nama-magnify po yung nangyari sa amin kasi kilala si Papa," she said.