MANILA, Philippines — Three police officers tagged in the killing of Spanish businessman Diego Lafuente during an anti-drug operation in 2020 have surrendered to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Capt. Wise Panuelos and Sgts. Ronel Pazo and Nido Cortes were turned over to the DOJ by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. on Feb. 9. The three surrendered to the CIDG’s special operations unit at Camp Crame on Feb. 6.
Authorities said Lafuente was killed in a shotoout in a drug bust in Siargao.
Neil Jayson Servallos
“Now that the accused policemen have surrendered... the courts will have jurisdiction over their persons and will be able to continue the trial on the untimely death of Diego Bello Lafuente,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The Commission on Human Rights, European Parliament and Spanish government have asked Philippine authorities to locate the suspects and bring them to justice.