Robredo wants culprits in Calabarzon and Calbayog bloodbaths punished

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday called on authorities to penalize those accountable in the bloody Calabarzon police-military operations, and the Calbayog City shootout that left several people dead.

In her radio program, Robredo pointed out that these actions of security forces should not be tolerated as it may affect public confidence in our law-enforcement agencies, she said in Filipino.

She also wished investigations on these bloody incidents will be fair, and those found culpable will be punished because what is at stake here is the integrity of law-enforcement institutions.  

(“Sana ang imbestigasyon ay maging fair. Kung sino man iyong na-find out na nagkasala ay ma-penalize kasi ang nakataya rito yung integrity noong mga institusyon.”) 

On March 7, at least nine activists were killed while six others were arrested in simultaneous operations by joint police and military units in Calabarzon.

According to Police Regional Office 4A, search warrants were served against these supposed communist terrorists in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal area.

Also, the PRO4A said the authorities recovered explosives and several firearms, allegedly from target individuals.

Several groups condemned the deadly crackdown, with Bayan Muna party-list Representatives Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, and Ferdinand Gaite joining a rally at the Commission on Human Rights head office in Quezon City.

On March 8 in Samar province, a shooting incident erupted, killing five people including Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, the Philippine National Police had reported. 

According to the police, the shooting incident was between the group of Mayor Aquino and the police.

However, loved ones and friends of slain mayor voiced  doubts on the PNP's investigation report claiming that Aquino's security detail opened fire on a team of policemen.

At least one gunman can be seen in a video firing at Aquino's van even after its occupants already appeared lifeless by the side of a bridge. —LBG, GMA News