Spate of killings not acceptable–Mar Roxas | Inquirer News

Spate of killings not acceptable–Mar Roxas

By: - Reporter / @MRamosINQ
/ 05:41 AM June 18, 2014

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas: Not acceptable. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the recent spate of killings in the country, directing the police to form special investigation teams that will look into the murders of several known personalities.

“Of course, the situation right now is not acceptable,” Roxas said in a radio interview.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I did not only tell the PNP (Philippine National Police) officials, but I stressed to them that the investigation on these recent criminal incidents should be finished,” he said.

FEATURED STORIES

In particular, Roxas said he directed PNP Deputy Director Gen. Felipe Rojas Jr., the PNP deputy chief for administration, and Chief Supt. Richard Albano, Quezon City Police District director, to create a team of crack police investigators to solve the killing of race-car driver Enzo Pastor.

Pastor, 31, was on his way to Clark International Speedway when he was shot several times by motorcycle-riding gunmen on the corner of Visayas and Congressional Avenues on Independence Day.

Article continues after this advertisement

High-profile crimes

Article continues after this advertisement

On Monday, Malacañang said President Aquino himself has been keenly monitoring the status of the police investigation into high-profile crimes and the PNP’s performance.

Article continues after this advertisement

“All crimes that take place in our country have to be solved,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma told a press briefing at Malacañang.

Roxas admitted it may take some time before the police could finish its probe in some of the incidents, but he assured the public that there were “positive developments” in the PNP’s law enforcement operations.

Article continues after this advertisement

He cited last week’s arrest of alleged Abu Sayyaf commander Khair Mundos, who was captured by government security forces in his supposed safe house in Parañaque City.

$50K reward

The US government had offered a $500,000 reward for the capture of Mundos, who is believed to be a financier of the Abu Sayyaf and one of the local contacts of the regional terror network Jemaah Islamiyah.

Meanwhile, PNP Director Gen. Alan Purisima warned the axe may fall on police commanders who failed to stem criminal incidence in their respective jurisdiction.

Presiding over a command conference at Camp Crame on Monday, Purisima instructed the directors of all PNP regional offices to come up with better operational plans against criminal groups.

‘Work harder’

Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP spokesman, said Purisima also reminded senior police officials that their performance would be measured by their capacity to carry out their duties stated in their “individual performance card.”

“The PNP chief challenged the police commanders to work harder in addressing the peace and order concerns in their areas. Otherwise, they may face serious sanctions,” Sindac told reporters.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

He said Purisima declined to impose deadlines on ongoing probes of high-profile crimes to protect the integrity of the police investigation.

TAGS: Crime, Killings, Mar Roxas, Philippines, Police

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.