Senate probes reinstatement of Marcos, cops who killed mayor
Supt.Marvin Marcos. FILE PHOTO
The Senate on Wednesday began its probe on the controversial reinstatement of the 19 cops behind the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.
The Senate had just resumed session after President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address last Monday.
Two committees–Public order and drugs, and justice and human rights–are conducting the inquiry which is attended by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II was invited to attend the hearing but he will be represented by Justice undersecretary Reynante Orceo.
Aside from Dela Rosa, head of the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service’s Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo and National Police Commission (Napolcom)’s Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao will attend the hearing.
On the command of President Duterte, Dela Rosa ordered the reinstatement of the team of Supt. Marvin Marcos, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Eastern Visayas (CIDG-8), to service.
READ: Duterte wants reinstatement of Supt. Marvin Marcos
Aside from Marcos, reinstated were Supt. Santi Noel Matira; Chief Insp. Leo Larraga; Senior Insp. Fritz Blanco; Senior Insp. Deogracias Diaz; Insp. Lucredito Candilosas; SPO4 Melvin Cayubit; PO3 Johnny Ibañez; SPO4 Juanito Duarte; PO1 Lloyd Ortigueza; PO1 Bhernard Orpilla; SPO2 Benjamin Dacallos; PO3 Norman Abellanosa; PO1 Jerlans Cabiyaan; PO1 Clixto Canillas Jr; SPO1 Mark Christian Cadilo; PO2 John Ruel Doculan; SPO2 Antonio Docil; and PO2 Jaime Dacsal.
Marcos’ team raided Espinosa’s cell in Baybay, Leyte to serve a search warrant. Marcos’ camp claims Espinosa opened fire at the cops, prompting them to shoot him and another inmate, Raul Yap, in November last year.
READ: Reinstatement of cops who killed mayor a ‘wasted’ chance for gov’t—Chiz
Both the Senate and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concluded the killings were premeditated.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had also downgraded the case against Marcos and his men from murder to homicide.
This move by the DOJ drew negative feedback from different sectors, including the members of the Senate committee which found irregularities in the search operation that led to Espinosa’s death. IDL
