Duterte orders probe on killing of ex-lawmaker’s aide — Palace

Richard Santillan died in an alleged shootout with Rizal policemen while driving the car (below) of his employer, former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a “fair and thorough” investigation into the death of a former lawmaker’s security aide, who was killed in an alleged shootout with policemen in Rizal province.

Santillan was the bodyguard of former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this in a statement on Monday night as the Palace condemned the brazen attack.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has ordered a fair and thorough investigation of the case until the killers, including the mastermind, are put behind bars,” Panelo said.

“Serious accusations have been made against some members of the Calabarzon police. Let the chips fall as they may,” he added.

The Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) police have alleged that Santillan was a member of an organized crime group and the subject of a police operation that resulted in his death on December 10 in Cainta, Rizal.

Police said Santillan, 45, was traveling with three others when they were flagged down by members of the police’s Highway Patrol Group at Barangay San Andres, Cainta, at 1 a.m.

Authorities noted that the group’s vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, had no conduction sticker and registration. Instead of submitting to inspection, the group reportedly sped away, prompting a police chase.

Santillan and one of his companion were killed in an alleged ensuing gunfight while the two others escaped, police said.

However, Chong, who described Santillan as a trusted aide for 11 years, raised doubts over the claims of the police.

READ: Ex-solon says aide slain in shootout not a criminal 

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) autopsied Santillan’s remains and found wounds “that were not consistent with an encounter.” It also said that his body bore signs of “torture,” like trauma from a blunt object and wounds inflicted by a pointed object.

READ: PNP: No torture of lawyer’s aide

Panelo stressed that similar to the Batocabe murder case, Duterte “certainly has the same commitment of getting justice done for the family, relatives, friends and for all those Mr. Santillan left behind.” /cbb