Parojinogs shrug off police official's bribe claim

The Parojinog family just shrugged off the claim of Ozamiz City Police head Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido that detained Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez had made several attempts to bribe him.

According to a report by GMA News' Rida Reyes on Balitanghali on Monday, the family will instead focus on mourning those killed during a predawn police raid on their compound last week.

Sixteen people were killed in the raid, including Nova Princess' father, Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, and her mother Susan. Mayor Parojinog had been linked to illegal drug activities by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Balitanghali report said family has yet to finalize burial plans for those killed in the raid.

Nova Parojinog had reportedly advised her family in advance to delay the burial until she and her brother, Reynaldo Jr., who was also detained, returned to Ozamiz City from their detention in Manila.

Espenido, on his part, said police escorts will be given to the Parojinog family during the funeral to ensure their safety.

He added that they are free to press charges against him before the court but advised them to forward all evidence to the investigations on the raid.

The police chief accused the vice mayor of offering cash, properties, and even herself in exchange for turning a blind eye on her family's alleged illegal drug operation.

He will receive a special award on Wednesday for his contribution to the government's war on drugs as chief of police in Ozamiz City and Albuera, Leyte.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa was quick to point out in a press conference on Monday that the award was not for the police raids that left 16 dead.

He added that they received information that an armed group — possibly the Kuratong Baleleng — from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte plans to "retaliate" against Ozamiz City police for the attack on the Parojinogs.

Octavio "Ongkoy" Parojinog Sr., father of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., founded the Kuratong Baleleng organized crime group. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News