Lacson committee probes spate of political killings

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate began on Monday its inquiry into certain killings in the country, particularly of public officials.

The inquiry by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs was initiated by Senators Bam Aquino, Grace Poe, Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicent “Tito” Sotto III.

Lacson chairs the public order committee.

As early as September last year, Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 901 directing the committee to look into the assassination of and attacks on local government officials.

Poe, meanwhile, filed Senate Resolution No. 901 last January 8, urging the same committee to investigate the political killings in the country that claimed the lives of incumbent public official.

Just last January 30, Lacson and Sotto also filed Senate Resolution No. 1008, to look into the “brutal killing” of Richard Santillan, security aide of election reform lawyer Glenn Chong, and other recent election-related killings.

Santillan and a female companion were killed in a police operation in Cainta, Rizal, last December 10.

Police said the two were alleged members of “Highway Boys,” an organized crime syndicate engaged in robbery-holdup, arms dealing, and illegal drugs activities. /cbb

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