Solons seek probe of DoJ charges vs AFP in new slays
07/17/2010 Lawmakers yesterday said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s reported allegation that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is behind the recent killings of activists is so serious that it needs to be looked into. “This is a very serious accusation considering that the AFP under the Constitution is the protector of the people,” Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga stressed. He said the basic requirement of due process mandates that evidence should be presented to support the allegation and thereafter AFP should be given the opportunity to disprove the allegation. “I anticipate that some of my colleagues in the 15th Congress would be filing a resolution calling for an investigation on this matter,” Barzaga added. Marikina Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo said while he trusts in the credibility and track record of the new Justice chief, “I do not want to immediately pass judgment on the culpability of the AFP.” “The circumstances are highly suspicious that should lead us to investigate the matter and definitely, Congress must look into it,” he added. Quimbo said he is deeply alarmed that the recent victims are mostly teachers whose numbers are already dwindling but continue to respond to the call of duty. “In the end, the issue is not only about the death of activists, but how the country’s democratic and government institutions are being misused and abused. These killings must stop,” he added. Source: The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100717hed3.html |
0 comments
Post a Comment