DOJ directs NBI to probe deaths of 2 Albay activists

Published July 28, 2021 09:42 PM

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the killing of two activists in Guinobatan, Albay.

Under Department Order No. 175, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also directed the NBI to file, if evidence warrants, the appropriate charges against those found responsible for the deaths of activists Jemar Palero and Marlon Naperi.

Human rights group Defend Bicol alleged that the victims were shot by policemen

after they were caught painting protest art stating "DUTERTE IBAGS" on a bridge on Monday.

Police, however, claimed that the victims were armed and fought back.

“The unarmed civilians are now being branded as ‘nanlaban’ by police forces, an old narrative of the police being used in tokhang operations,” Defend Bicol said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar has ordered an investigation into the shooting incident.

The cops involved have also been placed under restrictive custody. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News

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