Vice President Leni Robredo expressed alarm over the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., saying the integrity of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is now in question.
Robredo on Monday called for a “thorough, fair, and swift” investigation to find the truth behind the killing of Espinosa, who was shot dead inside his cell in Leyte on Saturday.
“We are alarmed by the recent events that led to the death of Mayor Espinosa. Given the peculiar context, this killing raises a lot questions on the official accounts of CIDG,” the vice president said.
The CIDG team led by Chief Inspector Leo Laraga claimed that they were serving search warrant for drugs and guns in Espinosa’s cell but the mayor allegedly fought back that resulted in a shootout, killing him and another inmate identified as Raul Yap.
The provincial penitentiary is armed with closed circuit television cameras but the footage that supposedly caught the alleged shootout was missing.
However, Leyte provincial jail warden Homobono Bardillon said Espinosa begged for his life before the CIDG operatives.
“The unlawful event even puts into question the integrity of the institution. Thus, we ask: who will police the police?” Robredo said.
The vice president also hoped that the persons behind the killing should be held liable to ensure the public that the rule of law still exists.
“We cannot afford the further erosion of our people's trust in our justice system if those who take the law into their own hands are not found and prosecuted,” Robredo said.
“We hope that this is not an indication of a nation failing to uphold the rule of law and a sovereign unable to protect its own citizens. We need to reinforce the trust of the people in our judicial system,” she added.
Robredo also extended her condolences to the family of Espinosa, whom she described were in “trying times.”
Meanwhile, Police Deputy Director General Fransisco Uyami Jr. assured that the CIDG team led by Chief Inspector Leo Laraga will be subjected to the "standard procedure" as the multiple investigations started today.
The post Leni on Espinosa's Death: Who Will Police the Police? appeared first on The Philippine Star
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