DOJ orders probe into slay of Batangas assistant prosecutor

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano. PHOTO BY TETCH TORRES-TUPAS/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice ordered Thursday an investigation on the death of Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Alexander Sandoval.

“We have directed our law enforcement agencies particularly the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Prosecutor Sandoval who was on his way to Sta. Teresita, Batangas, Metropolitan Trial Court to perform his official duties when he was gunned down,” Prosecutor General Claro Arellano said Thursday in a statement.

At the same time, the National Prosecution Service condemned the killing of Sandoval.

“We, at the National Prosecution Service, condemn the cowardly and senseless killing of Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Alexander Sandoval of the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas this morning,” Arellano said.

“Prosecutor Sandoval was a dedicated and diligent prosecutor whose courageous adherence to the rule of law cannot be doubted. The entire prosecution service deeply mourns the loss of one of its worthy members. We convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the late Prosecutor Sandoval,” Arellano added.