Pimentel to PNP: Get killers of ex-La Union lawmaker

Senate President Koko Pimentel. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urged on Sunday the Philippine National Police  (PNP) to act quickly to find the killers of former La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel.

Pimentel said the country needed “professional and credible” authorities in order to put criminals behind bars.

“The Philippine National Police must forcefully, quickly, and effectively respond to this outrage,” Pimentel said in a statement.

READ: Ex-La Union lawmaker, 2 aides shot dead in Agoo

“What we need is a professional and credible police force that can deter criminals and effectively deal with those who violate the law,” he added.

Pimentel also lauded the efforts of PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde to discipline the police officials under his leadership.

However, according to Pimentel, Albayalde’s efforts should also translate to the effectiveness of PNP officials.

“I am encouraged by PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde’s efforts to discipline the police force, but we will see if his measures would translate to increased effectiveness of the PNP in catching the killers,” he said.

Eriguel and his two bodyguards were shot dead on Saturday night while he  delivering a speech at a gathering in Barangay Capas in Agoo town, La Union province.

Eriguel was a member of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban), of which Pimentel is the president. /cbb