Palace: Botanist's kin can contest DOJ finding

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang said relatives of slain botanist Leonardo Co could take action to oppose the Department of Justice’s finding clearing the military of any responsibility for his death in Leyte last November. 

“The case underwent proceedings at the Department of Justice. They can contest the findings if they feel they have the evidence to back up their claim. There are legal remedies for them to do that,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio station dzRB.

Earlier, Malacañang said the finding of a DOJ panel that it was New People’s Army gunfire that killed the University of the Philippines botanist and his two guides should not affect the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels.

“We are very close to a resumption of negotiations with the Left. I think all these factors have been considered. I think I can speak for (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita) Deles in saying that this should not be a factor to the resumption of the peace talks,” Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said.

“I don’t think anyone will question (Justice) Secretary (Leila) de Lima’s competence and integrity. I think she’s following the process, wherever it leads. We can still continue to have peace talks despite that. And I hope that the Left will also understand,” Carandang said.