Roxas defends police in Revilla compound standoff

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II reiterated Wednesday that police only followed the standard operation when they tried to chase a group of armed men who allegedly sought refuge in the residential compound of Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. on Election Day in Bacoor City, Cavite.

Contrary to Revilla’s claim, Roxas said that there was nothing political on the order for the police to surround the senator’s compound, stressing that the DILG won’t exempt anyone when it comes to enforcement of the law.

“Kung may tumakas na suspek, susundan nila [pulis] ang suspek. Ayon sa batas, kailangang pumayag ang may-ari ng gusali na pumasok [ang mga pulis],” Roxas said, but noted that Revilla didn’t permit officers to enter his home which made start to think why.

“Bakit kaya sila hahanap ng pagsaklolo sa inyo? Tauhan niyo ba itong mga civilian na may dalang high-powered rifles?” Roxas asked.

A group of around 30 armed men allegedly sought refuge in the mansion of the Revilla’s after they were reportedly seen carrying high-powered rifles such as AK47, M16, and M4 on the day of elections.

Since Revilla didn’t allow the authorities to search his house, a standoff ensued prompting the police to apply for a search warrant.

“Habang naga-apply ka ng search warrant, babantayan mo ang isi-search mo para ‘di lumabas ang suspek

“Kahit kaninong bahay po ‘yun…itong mga armadong lalaki, araw ng election mahahabang baril ang hawak, high-powered, walang uniporme . . . ‘di ba trabaho ng pulis na sundan sila? Araw ng eleksyon ito,” Roxas said.

A report quoted Revilla as saying that police applied to at least three judges for a search warrant, but all of them denied the application.

The senator earlier slammed Roxas for his apparent “obsession” with him and his family, saying that the DILG chief is claiming he is not taking things personally, but his actions “show otherwise.”