More witnesses to face Senate as probe on summary killings resumes

More witnesses face the Senate as the investigation on extrajudicial killings resumes today. MAILA AGER/INQUIRER.net

The Senate has resumed its investigation on the alleged extrajudicial killings in the county with more witnesses expected to testify in the hearing.

The hearing of the Senate committee on justice and human rights chaired by Senator Leila de Lima resumed at 9:43 a.m.

Aside from the witnesses, the committee is expected to receive a briefing from Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa and other police officials about the government’s intensified campaign against crime and illegal drugs.

At least two witnesses — Harra Kazuo and Mary Rose Aquino, were already presented before the committee during its first hearing Monday.

Kazuo narrated how her live-in partner Jaypee Bertes and his father Renato Bertes were tortured by police before they were killed last July 7 while Aquino tagged some Antipolo cops as drug users and pushers.

READ: Wife of slain ‘pusher’ claims police brutality during arrest

Aquino, daughter of slain drug pushers, claimed that the policemen did not only deliver drugs to her parents for “repacking” but she said she also saw them having “pot sessions” in their house.

READ: Witness says Antipolo cops involved in illegal drug trade

De Lima earlier said that she would present 12 witnesses in the hearing to narrate their stories. CDG

READ: De Lima: 12 witnesses to face Senate probe on summary killings