MANILA, Philippines ? President Aquino is putting Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo in charge of investigating Friday night's fatal shooting of the chief political officer of Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos.

"These things are frowned upon. We do not countenance killings of any sort,'' Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told government-run dzRB.

Lacierda said that Mr. Aquino has directed Robredo to investigate the killing of Joselito Torres as "promptly as possible'' since the case fell within his jurisdiction.

"I'm sure the government will be on top of it. Secretary Robredo, I'm sure, will take charge of it, and take the necessary investigation on the case,'' he said. "The President is committed to the protection of human rights, friend or foe.''

Torres was shot twice in the head by an unidentified gunman while inside his car along Barangka Drive in the city Friday night, and died after midnight.

He had been a close associate of Abalos for 16 years, having served as the chief political strategist of Abalos when the latter started out in politics as city councilor.