DOJ probes shooting in Zambo WPP safehouse

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered an investigation into Tuesday’s shooting incident in a safehouse of the witness protection program (WPP) in Zamboanga City where a policeman and a witness were killed.

De Lima said she would coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to recall suspect PO3 Carmelito Macansantos and other police officers from deputation to the WPP office.

“I ordered an investigation but initial results showed that the two policemen were having a fight when the incident took place. That’s why I wanted them relieved and removed from the WPP,” she said.

The Philippine National Police augments officers of the Intelligence Service Operations Group for the protection and security of witnesses under the WPP.

Reports said the shooting incident happened at a WPP safehouse in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City at around 7:50 a.m. Tuesday. – Edu Punay