Police scolded for barring media from probe on mayor’s slay

Members of the media work through the obstructions set up by the police during the preliminary investigation into the killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. TETCH TORRES TUPAS/INQUIRER.net

A senior prosecutor from the Department of Justice (DOJ) admonished on Tuesday members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for prohibiting members of the media from covering the first preliminary investigation into the multiple murder complaint in connection with the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and fellow inmate Raul Yap.

READ: WHAT WENT BEFORE: Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. slay | NBI says Leyte mayor victim of police rubout

After the arrival of the respondent policemen, the police barred the media from entering the venue and covered the door with a white board so that no footage can be taken of the proceedings.

Members of the media raised the issue to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre as well as the head of the panel of prosecutors. Eventually, the DOJ’s head of security opened the door of the multipurpose hall to the media.

Before the start of the proceedings, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Lilian Doris Alejo told the police that they should take orders from authorities at the DOJ.

“We remind members of the PNP that this is the DOJ and not the PNP. Please take orders from authorities of the DOJ,” Alejo said. IDL/rga