DOJ taps NBI, NPS to probe death of union leader

Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the National Prosecution Service (NPS) to begin an investigation and case build-up on the killing of labor activist and paralegal Alex Dolorosa in Bacolod City on Tuesday.

Dolorosa, a union organizer and a paralegal with the BPO Industry Employee Network (BIEN), went missing on April 21, and his body was discovered three days later in a hut at Purok Villa Rosario in Barangay Alijis with at least 15 stab wounds.

“The Department of Justice (DOJ) strongly condemns in the strongest possible term the violent murder of Alex Dolorosa,” Remulla said.

The DOJ chief assured that an extensive and full-blown investigation will be conducted.

“To this end, instructions have been cascaded to the NBI and the National Prosecution Service to begin their investigation and case build-up so that the appropriate criminal cases may be filed,” Remulla said.

“The faithful cooperation and coordination of the Philippine National Police are requested to assist in the investigation,” he added.

Remulla said they also coordinated with Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez for any information that may be relevant to the case.

Remulla also appealed to the family and friends of Dolorosa and the public.

The DOJ chief also appealed to Dolorosa’s relatives, friends, and even the public to share with the NBI any information that would help in the investigation.

He said: “The Witness Protection Program has already been alerted in order to protect any person who possesses relevant information. If and when the witnesses are assessed and evaluated as eligible for protection, immediate protective custody will be taken.”

“The Department understands the gravity of this violent act. The culture of impunity is one that cannot and will not endure in our country. Thus, the wheels of justice shall continuously turn until the perpetrators of this shameless act are caught, prosecuted, and imprisoned,” he said.

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JPV