‘Cops in Atimonan shooting failed to observe the law’

MANILA, Philippines - The 22 policemen involved in the killing of 13 men, including three police officers, in an alleged shootout in Atimonan, Quezon have failed to observe the law, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima said yesterday.

Purisima said the policemen, led by CALABARZON intelligence chief Superintendent Hansel Marantan, should not accuse the PNP leadership of abandoning them.

“They failed to observe the law, that is why they have to face the consequence of their actions. They can defend their actions in court,” he added.

Marantan maintained that the alleged shootout leading to the killing of 13 people on Jan. 6, 2013 was a legitimate police operation.

The PNP chief said he has not received the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service in connection with the administrative charges to be filed against the policemen.

Purisima said that no special treatment is being accorded to the accused despite the delay in the filing of administrative complaint against them.

“We want to make sure due process is observed and the rights of the accused are not violated,” he added.