Aquino limits PNP probe on Quezon shootout—De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino has limited the scope of the Philippine National Police’s probe on the alleged shootout in Quezon after he ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to be the sole investigative body to determine what happened in the alleged shootout in Atimonan, Quezon, last Sunday that killed 13 people including three policemen and three soldiers.

“Just got word from the Palace that the President has tasked the NBI to be the sole investigative body to probe the Atimonan incident,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said in a text message to reporters Tuesday.

De Lima said the PNP’s investigation will cover only matters pertaining to source and use of firearms, and involvement of certain police officers.

“PNP will still conduct its own fact-finding relative to such matters as the source and use of firearms, the involvement of certain police officers, etc. But as to exactly what happened and culpability, if any, of those manning the checkpoint, it will solely be the NBI,” De Lima said.