Lorenzana slams ex-solon’s accusations vs. gov’t over NegOcc massacre

“We take exception to the recent statement of Mr. Neri Colmenares on the very unfortunate incident that led to the deaths of nine individuals in Negros Occidental,” Lorenzana said in a statement Monday. (File Photo: Department of National Defense – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana slammed allegations made by former Bayan Muna Representative and senatorial bet Neri Colmenares that the government and the military should be blamed for the massacre of nine people in Negros Occidental last Saturday.

“We take exception to the recent statement of Mr. Neri Colmenares on the very unfortunate incident that led to the deaths of nine individuals in Negros Occidental,” Lorenzana said in a statement Monday.

The defense chief added that blaming government forces right off the bat shows how desperate Colmenares and his comrades are in trying to discredit President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and gain public attention.

“As a lawyer, Mr. Colmenares should very well know that it is wrong and unfair to make allegations without any evidence. There is an ongoing investigation on the matter already and one should refrain from making unnecessary statements until the final report has been submitted. There is a proper time and venue for the examination and evaluation of evidence, and throwing out allegations at this point is irresponsible and highly suspect,” the DND chief added.

Lorenzana also urged Colmenares not to take advantage of the incident to campaign for his party-list group, noting that such gesture to polish his image at the expense of the farmers’ death is a cheap and indecent trick.