Shocked De Lima orders NBI to probe security aide’s death

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the automatic review of dismissed drug cases should be made “without prejudice to the right of the respondent to be immediately released from detention” unless an accused was being held on another case.

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima expressed shock at the death of her security aide and ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate it.

“We’re shocked. Last night he was with us when they (security escorts) dropped me home,” said De Lima.

“He was a nice person, smiles a lot,” she said.

Quintos, 32, was found dead in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, early Friday, and De Lima said that he could have been killed somewhere else and dumped only in the Central Luzon town.

De Lima told the NBI to dig into the motive of the killing, particularly if it was connected to the security threat she has been receiving.

De Lima has beefed up her security staff and tightened security at the Department of Justice since last year threats to her life.

Quintos was a member of the DoJ Internal Service Operations Group (ISOG).

De Lima said Quintos was dropped off in Cubao by another security escort after duty.

“He was supposed to be on his way home to Antipolo but his body was found in San Ildefonso, Bulacan,” De Lima said, adding that Quintos’ gun was missing.