Ex-PNP chief dela Rosa vows fairness should Senate probe Jolo shooting

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Saturday said he would not necessarily side with the Philippine National Police (PNP) should the Senate investigate the Jolo shooting in which four soldiers were killed by police officers.

"Yes you expect a fair and impartial Senate investigation 'Wag pangunahan na porke dati akong PNP chief pabor ako sa pulis, eh 'yung sundalo kasamahan ko rin sa PMA," said Senate Committee on Public Order chair Dela Rosa in a radio interview.

"Kapag ako maghawak ng investigation kakalimutan ko dati akong PNP chief. Lalabas ang katotohanan at mananagot ang dapat managot. Justice must be served at gagawa tayo ng policy modifications," he added.

Dela Rosa appealed to both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their sub-commanders on the ground to avoid issuing statements that could escalate matters.

"Talo na nga tayo sa pangyayari na ito, kapag lumaki pa ito 'di natin makontrol talo talaga tayo so as early as now pigilan na ito. Hinihimok ko sila na ang coordination on the ground should be constant," he said.

Minority Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier filed Senate Resolution 460 seeking an investigation on the incident to institutionalize measures against "excessive use of force and violence within the police force."  — DVM, GMA News