Heads won’t roll despite spate of killings—Palace

MANILA, Philippines – Despite expressing dismay over a rash of high-profile killings in the country, Malacañang on Thursday said President Benigno Aquino III has no plan to boot out Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima from their posts.

“Patuloy silang pinagkakatiwalaan ng Pangulo,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in response to calls of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) to sack both officials.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II. FILE PHOTO

(The President still trusts them.)

Nevertheless, Coloma said they welcome VACC’s suggestions on how to address law enforcement problems.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa komunikasyon ng VACC sa Pangulo at sa kanilang pagbibigay ng panukala para mabawasan at masabat ang kriminalidad,” he said.

(We thank the VACC for their letter sent to the President and for their suggestions on how to reduce and address criminality.)

Asked if Malacañang is in favor of the group’s suggestion to revive death penalty, Coloma said they will soon respond to the letter in full.

VACC on Monday sent their letter to Malacañang, complaining about the alleged spike in heinous crimes and calling for several measures to be implemented.

The proposals included reviving the death penalty, constructing a high-security prison facility and requiring motorcycle passengers to wear vests and helmets with plate numbers.

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