DOJ chief nixes shift of Etong case probe to police 'abuse' issue

MANILA, Philippines - The issue on whether it was suicide or murder that led to the death of Trinidad Etong has been pushed aside due to news reports concentrating on alleged police abuse against the Failon household, according to Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez. “Right now, the investigation has been shrouded with issues like police abuse. It is no longer concentrating on whether it was suicide or parricide. That is not good for criminal investigation," said Gonzalez in an interview with reporters on Monday, April 20. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has suspended two police officers and four policemen over alleged “heavy-handed" handling of the case by the Quezon City police. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been tapped to take the lead role in the probe over the case of Etong who died on April 16, a day after she sustained gunshot wound in the head. Gonzalez, however, did not support Napolcom’s move. “I thought that was not the proper step to take because that will stigmatize the police already," he said. The Justice secretary took the cudgels for the Quezon City police, dismissing allegations that the authorities made an overkill in the handling of the Etong incident because they wanted to retaliate to news anchor Ted Failon’s tirades against the police over a shooting incident with suspected car thieves. “That is a wild presumption," Gonzalez said. Nevertheless, Gonzalez said the NBI must be able to “look for the truth" and come out with findings based on evidence and facts of the case. “They should concentrate on the issue of suicide or parricide," said Gonzalez, adding that “parties who have the means can cover up." - GMANews.TV