DOJ, NBI ready to probe Quezon shootout — De Lima

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to conduct its own probe on the reported shootout in Quezon province that killed 13 people if Malacañang gives its go signal, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Tuesday.

 

In an interview with reporters, De Lima said she has already asked President Benigno Aquino III if she can form a special team composed of NBI investigators and DOJ prosecutors that would conduct an investigation parallel to the one being conducted by the Philippine National Police.

 

"I think the families of those slain are seeking the DOJ's help to conduct the probe. I am inclined to designate a special team of NBI investigators and DOJ prosecutors to do its own probe. I'm seeking clearance from the President on that," De Lima said.

 

 

"The DOJ and the NBI, especially the NBI,  is ready to do its own probe in light of the recent allegations ngayon na nasa headline ngayon ng major dailies," she added. "Mukhang medyo malalim ata ito."

 

She said the President can also opt to form a special inter-agency task force composed of the DILG and PNP and the DOJ and NBI. The Commission on Human Rights is also set to conduct its own probe of the incident.

But De Lima said she cannot blame families of the slain victims if they have doubts about the investigation being conducted by the PNP as police officials were also involved in the incident.

 

"There are nagging questions that have to be looked into to put a closure to that incident," said the Justice chief, adding that the DOJ and the NBI are "more than willing" to join the investigation. — RSJ, GMA News