Napolcom willing to share Quezon probe findings to NBI

MANILA, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday said it is willing to turn over the findings of its own probe into the Atimonan, Quezon shooting to the National Bureau of Investigation.

Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo Escueta said that while the NBI has been tapped by the President to look into the incident that claimed the lives of 13 people, including a police colonel and an environmentalist, the Napolcom has jurisdiction to conduct a separate probe as it involves the conduct of police officers.

“The Napolcom exercises supervisory and administrative control over the PhilippineNational Police (PNP) and is in charge of hearing administrative cases filed against police officers,” he said.

Escueta said their investigation is also consistent with the Commission’s “motu prioprio” or voluntary function.

“It’s going to be expeditious because the validation reports continue to pour in. The issue is not that complicated…like I’ve said, there are questions that, once answered, prove that violations were committed on the Philippine National Police’s own procedures.”

As for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Escueta said it is not officially obligated to share its own findings with that of Napolcom, although the Commission may coordinate with them if needed.

“We may coordinate with them (AFP) if the situation calls for it, but as of now our investigation is limited to scrutinizing what the police carried out,” he said.