Lacson on SC ruling on ‘Kuratong’ case: ‘Happy and relieved’

Senator Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo  Lacson   heaved a sigh of relief  on  Wednesday   after the  Supreme  Court  affirmed   the dismissal of  the  multiple  murder charges filed against him  in connection with the “Kuratong  Baleleng” rubout case.

Lacson said in a text message that  he was  “happy and relieved, not just for myself but for  all men  in the  defunct Task Force  Habagat and the other units involved in that operation including  former Senior Superintendent Mancao.”

The senator was referring to Cezar Mancao. Both  Lacson and Mancao  were  also  accused of the killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and  driver,  Emmanuel Corbito in 2000, which also dismissed by the court.

The decision of the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81, absolving Lacson of any criminal liability over the death while in police custody of 11 suspected members of the crime gang Kuratong Baleleng on May 18, 1995.