PNP chief backs NBI probe on Quezon 'shootout'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - Police Director General Alan Purisima on Thursday said he supports and welcomes the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the operation in Quezon province that left 13 persons dead.

Purisima said the independent investigation will help ferret out the truth as speculations abound that the incident in Atimonan town was a “rubout”. A police fact-finding team has found several lapses in the police checkpoint that was set up where the shooting incident took place in Atimonan, Quezon.

Among those killed were police officers and enlisted members who were allegedly involved in the operations of an illegal number game.

“That’s why we supported the National Bureau of Investigation to know the truth. Because once the truth comes out, the other members of the PNP will be spared at hindi ‘yong buong kapulisan,” Purisima told newsmen at the sidelines of the formal turn over of command ceremony for the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) at Camp Abendan in Barangay Mercedes this city Thursday.

Purisima said he will no longer direct the conduct of background investigation on all police officers since they have been doing the checking ever since. - Roel Pareño