DOJ preliminary probe into Quezon ‘shootout’ to press ahead – De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima: Manila probe. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The formal preliminary investigation into the infamous Quezon “shootout” will push through as there is no order from the Supreme Court stopping the probe, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Tuesday.

“Since there is no temporary restraining order, no legal impediment, it is the mandate of the panel to proceed with the preliminary investigation,” De Lima said.

Superintendent Hansel Marantan, one of the 21 police officers facing multiple murder complaint with the Department of Justice, asked the Supreme Court to stop the DOJ from proceeding with the formal inquiry.

He said the DOJ is no longer capable of handling the investigation since De Lima already prejudged the case, saying “definitely no shootout” even before the National Bureau of Investigation wrapped up its probe.

The police and military personnel were charged after the NBI investigation showed that there was no shootout but the 13 victims were summarily executed.