PNP snubs CHR probe into Navarro ambush

CEBU, Philippines — The policemen escorting Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro when the latter was killed on October 25 in Cebu City did not show up in the investigation being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) - 7.

Instead, they sent CHR-7 a letter, which says the Philippine National Police can choose not to grant CHR-7’s request for the cops to appear, as well as the commission’s request for documents.

“Be informed that there is now a pending investigation in the incident and also the National Bureau of Investigation 7 (NBI7) is now conducting their own investigation in relation to the above mentioned incident and documents like investigation reports, arrest, reports or crime/incident report kept at police offices are not presumed to be open to the public. The Philippine National Police (PNP) have the discretion not to grant the request to submit documents because there might be sensitive information that might be divulged including the identity of confidential source.” The letter reads.

“There are also details in the documents requested that would undermine the successful conduct of investigations. Furthermore, investigation reports and documents pertaining thereto are a confidential matter which requires necessary clearance from the Chief, PNP,” the letter reads further.

CHR-7 opened its own investigation into the ambush to determine if there were security lapses on the part of the policemen escorting Navarro to the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

Navarro’s convoy was about to enter the compound where the prosecutor’s office is located when ambushed by at least 10 men in masks. The mayor sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

CHR-7 has summoned Police Major Sanchez, Police Corporal Eutemio Catalan, Police Master Sergeant Carlo Balasoto, and Patrolman Lucidro Javier.

The four were supposed to meet with CHR-7 investigators on last Sunday morning only to decline the invitation.

“They have cited earlier directive nila gikan sa ilang higher headquarters nga mao lagi nga dili sila patambungon, cooperate or give any document sa Commission on Human Rights and we respect that one,” said CHR-7 chief investigator Leo Villarino.

He said the investigation will continue even without the PNP’s cooperation. So far, CHR-7 has taken hold of statements from Navarro’s family.

“Actually, we have the statements of the family and their witnesses. Signed statements ni siya,” Villarino said.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Gemma Vinluan, who was relieved from her post as Cebu City Police chief while investigation of the NBI is ongoing, is on floating status, said Police Colonel Geovanie Maines, the new officer in-charge of CCPO.

Maines said the cops from the Abellana Police Station who have also been relieved from their posts have already been replaced. (FREEMAN)