DOJ orders probe on death of Albay activists

MANILA – Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two activists last July 26 in Guinobatan, Albay.

In Department Order (DO) No. 175, Guevarra directed NBI OIC-director Eric Distor to investigate the killing of Marlon Napier, 38, and Jemar Palero, 22.

“If evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful act in connection therewith,” he said.

Distor was likewise directed to submit reports on the progress of the investigation within 10 days.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, earlier ordered the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to investigate police officers implicated in the deaths of the two who were supposedly shot by Bicol police shortly after they were spotted spraying anti-government slogans at a bridge in Barangay Lower Binogsacan, Guinobatan, Albay early Monday morning.

The police officers claimed the two opened fire on lawmen who accosted them.