DOJ: Duterte just reitrating order to suppress violence in Negros, Samar, Bicol

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday said that the memorandum order 32 of President Rodrigo Duterte was a mere reiteration and reinforcement of memorandum order 3.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s statement came after Duterte issued an order to deploy more forces in the provinces of Negros, Samar, and the whole Bicol Region.

READ: Duterte deploys more cops, soldiers to Negros, Samar, Bicol

The Memorandum Order No. 3 series of 2016 provided guidelines and measures for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to “suppress lawless violence.”

The said memorandum was signed by Duterte in September 7, 2016.

Meanwhile, according to the Memorandum Order No. 32 series of 2018 that was released on Friday, police forces were ordered to “suppress lawless violence and acts of terror” in the said areas following the violent incident recorded.

“The DOJ is called upon to expeditiously investigate and prosecute those who may be apprehended for commission of lawless or terrorist acts,” Guevarra said in a statement.

Nevertheless, Guevarra said that if violence in the said provinces would continue despite the issuance of the memorandum order 32, the justice department might create a special task force.

“We’ll play it by ear. If lawless violence persists, the DOJ may consider creating a special task force for the purpose,” Guevarra said. /jpv