De Lima shocked over killing of her security aide

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday expressed shock over the killing of one of her security aides, whose body was recovered by authorities in Bulacan. In a chance interview with reporters, De Lima said Alister Quintos - along with her other security personnel - still accompanied her to work on Thursday.

 

"We were shocked. We're all shocked dahil kasama ko pa ito noong hinatid nila ako dito," De Lima told reporters.

 

She added that members of the San Ildefonso police in Bulacan are already investigating the killing.

 

At the same time, De Lima said she has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an autopsy on the victim's remains. The NBI is under the supervision of the Justice Department.

 

"Incidents like that should not be taken for granted... di ba? I mean you can never tell. Siyempre iniimbestigahan na namin iyan," De Lima said. 

 

De Lima described Quintos as "kind, quiet, and would always smile."

 

"He's supposed to be on his way home to Antipolo. But apparently 'di sya nakarating," she said.

 

De Lima said police authorities recovered Quintos' firearm.

 

De Lima said her other security detail tried calling up Quintos' two mobile phone numbers. A recording answered in the first number, while the second phone was already in police custody. — Mark Merueñas/RSJ, GMA News