Lacson condemns ‘meaningless’ Samar misencounter

POLICE FATALITY The body of one of the policemen killed on Monday in Sta. Rita town, Samar province, is retrieved by government forces. —REMSEN RAMIREZ

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson condemned the fatal misencounter between soldiers and policemen in Sta. Rita, Samar on Monday that left six cops dead and nine others injured.

In a text message to reporters on Wednesday, Lacson called the deaths “meaningless” as the firefight reportedly happened due to a lack of coordination and proper communication between the troops.

“It is indeed unfortunate since it was not the first time it happened. Aside from the meaningless loss of human lives, government resources  have been unnecessarily wasted in the recruitment and training of the PNP (Philippine National Police) concerned,” Lacson said.

Lacson added that a joint investigation team of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police has been formed to probe the misencounter.

“The investigation therefore must focus on preventing any similar occurrences in the future and in other areas where troops from different units are simultaneously operating against local rebels and secessionists,” he said.    /muf