The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has called for a congressional investigation into the killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. while in detention.
In House Resolution 539, the lawmakers urged the House public order and safety as well as the justice committees to investigate in aid of legislation the Leyte town mayor’s death by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at the sub-provincial jail in Baybay City.
READ: House urged to probe Espinosa slay
The militant lawmakers said the slaying of Espinosa and another drug inmate Raul Yap “bolster(s) the widespread belief that state security forces are engaged in extrajudicial killings to silence potential witnesses and to cover their involvement in illegal drug trades.”
“Whatever good intentions the government may have in this war against drugs will all be put in vain, as ironically, these killings showed impunity is succeeding,” the resolution read.
The resolution was signed by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Act Teachers’ Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela’s Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Anakpawis’ Ariel Casilao, and Kabataan’s Sarah Jane Elago.
The Makabayan representatives joined two other lawmakers, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, in calling for a congressional investigation into the incident.
As of press time, the Senate is conducting its investigation.
READ: Senators grill cops on ‘premeditated’ killing of Espinosa
On Nov. 5, Mayor Espinosa was slain by a raiding team of the CIDG Region VIII in what the police claimed to be a shoot-out, even though Espinosa and Yap were in detention at the sub-provincial jail in Baybay City.
The CIDG barged in the jail to serve a search warrant over suspicions the two were keeping “shabu” and firearms inside the cells.
READ: Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa killed in ‘firefight’ inside jail
The CIDG alleged that Espinosa shot the police, prompting them to fire back, fatally hitting the mayor in the head, chest and stomach.
The raiding team recovered a .38-cal. pistol and a pack of shabu from the cell of Espinosa and a .45-cal., 27 packs of marijuana and 21 sachets of shabu from Yap.
The CIDG also took the hard drive that contained a CCTV video of the incident.
The Philippine National Police is set to investigate the incident, which former police chief Sen. Panfilo Lacson believes is a clear case of extrajudicial killing.
READ: Espinosa slay clear case of extra-judicial killing–Lacson
Espinosa was slain as he was expected to name more personalities involved in the business of his son Kerwin, said to be the biggest illegal drug trader in the Eastern Visayas region. Kerwin was arrested in Abu Dhabi after fleeing the charges.
Espinosa surrendered to authorities after he was named by President Rodrigo Duterte among the local chief executives allegedly involved in the drug trade.