PNP defends cops who shot Villaruel

Police commandos who shot and killed former Air Transportation chief Panfilo Villaruel and his aide did not violate the rules of engagement when they stormed the control tower of Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Nov. 8, a police official said yesterday.

However, Director Ricardo de Leon Philippine National Police (PNP) community relations chief, said the bloody incident had prompted police officials to order that policemen involved in special operations undergo further training.

"We maintain that rules of engagement have been followed," he said. "Even the pointman in the assault was an officer. According to the reports, there were shots heard first."

De Leon said the raiders were "doing their duty" when they attacked the control tower, shooting and killing Villaruel and Navy Lt. (sg) Ricardo Catchillar.

"We support our men because we want our SWAT to maintain their determination," he said. "We will support them legally and financially."

The assault team was trained in handling hostage, suicide and rescue operations, De Leon added.

On the other hand, Senior Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group deputy chief for operations, said more lives had been saved when the police commandos "neutralized" Villaruel and Catchillar.

"Will you send only one person there and use a revolver to neutralize them?" he asked. "No, because in information gathered, they needed to prepare an equal force to subdue them. What if they were not killed.?"

Alejandrino also assailed human rights advocates for raising concerns over the death of Villaruel and Catchillar, when they were silent after New People’s Army rebels attacked and killed soldiers and policemen. – Christina Mendez