DOJ probes cops tagged in slay of ex-lawmaker’s aide

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) started yesterday its investigation of police officers in connection with the killing of an aide of former Biliran congressman Glenn Chong last December.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recommended the filing of charges against Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza and 22 other police officers over the killing of Chong’s aide Richard Santillan and his companion Gessamyn Casing in Cainta, Rizal.

Carranza and his co-accused did not attend the hearing and only sent their lawyers to receive copies of the complaint.

Senior assistant state prosecutor Alexander Suarez set the next hearing on June 17 for submission of answers to the complaint. 

The NBI said Rizal police director Col. Lou Evangelista, Cainta police chief Lt. Col. Pablito Naganag and Carranza should be charged with obstruction of justice.

Seven Cainta police officers led by Lt. Sanro Ortega are facing double murder charges. Four personnel of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group led by Capt. John Russel Barnacha and 10 agents of the Regional Special Operations unit led by M/Sgt. Rene Eufracio are facing charges for planting of evidence and two counts of murder.

Citing witnesses’ accounts and results of forensic examination, the NBI said Santillan and Casing were not killed in a shootout as claimed by the police.

The NBI said the victims were unarmed, adding that there was “treachery” in the killing, a key element of murder.

Carranza and his men claimed the incident was part of their operations against the so-called Highway Boys, who are tagged in illegal drugs, carjacking, robbery and killings.

They said an unregistered Toyota Fortuner that was supposedly used by the gang in its operations was being driven by Santillan at the time.

Police said Santillan sped off and fired at police officers when flagged down, triggering a shootout.

However, the NBI said Santillan tested negative for gunpowder.