Senator says Espinosa’s killing may scare other witnesses

PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (right) holds a press conference with Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. following Espinosa’s surrender to PNP. (Photo: PNP’s official Facebook page)

MANILA—A senator expressed concern on Sunday that the operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) that led to the death of Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte inside his prison cell on Nov. 5 could frighten away other witnesses.

Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, Chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said the mayor’s killing “robbed citizens of justice” because witnesses may now be afraid to testify for fear of their lives.

Gordon earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 226 which seeks for a probe into the recent series of deaths of persons that are mainly drug-related killings by the police during police operations, under police custody and detention, and outside legitimate police duty.

This measure is meant to make the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) more accountable and responsible in fulfilling their constitutional duty to serve and protect the people, Gordon said.

“There is a need to address the serious questions on the apparent irregularity in police operations that needs to be investigated and clarified if only to allay the fear of the public that legal processes are already being used as a subterfuge for summary killings to liquidate or neutralize persons allegedly involved in crimes, especially illegal drugs…,” he said in the resolution.

Gordon said he found loopholes in the testimonies of police officers over the operations and reinforced the theory that it was a case of extrajudicial killing.

He added it was fortunate that the CIDG operatives brought their lawyer because their testimonies could be used against them in court.

“It would appear that the police really have a lot to explain. First, their procedures are wrong, second, it looked like the intention was not to arrest but to kill,” the senator said.

Espinosa surrendered to the PNP last August after his name was included in a list of government officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

The mayor had claimed to know some 30 lawmakers and police commanders involved in illegal drugs.