DOJ summons Espenido, 3 others over killing of 9 suspected criminals in Ozamiz

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has summoned Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido and three of his subordinates to an investigation in connection with the deadly police operation in against suspected criminals in Ozamiz City two months ago.

Prosecution Attorney Loverhette Jeffrey Villordon set the preliminary investigation hearings on August 15 (Tuesday) and August 22 for the complaints for murder and arbitrary detention against Espenido, chief of the Ozamiz City police; Chief Inspector Glyndo Lagrimas, Senior Police Officer 4 Renato Martir Jr., and Police Officer 1 Sandra Louise Nadayag.

"You are hereby warned that failure on your part to comply with the subpoena shall be considered as a waiver of your right to present your defense and the case shall be considered submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record," the subpoena stated.

Espenido went to the DOJ last Thursday to personally get a copy of the complaints, which were filed by Carmelita Manzano, a relative of Francisco Manzano, one of those killed in the alleged shootout between the police and local armed group on June 1.

The complaints stemmed from the series of raids in Cabinti and Balintawak villages in Ozamiz City that led to the killing of nine people and arrest of six others suspected of being involved in the series of robbery incidents in the city.

Police said recovered during the operation include firearms, pieces of jewelry, and 11 sachets of suspected shabu.

Espenido recently received an award from President Rodrigo Duterte for his contribution to the government's war on drugs as chief of the Ozamiz City Police Station and previous chief of Albuera, Leyte.

Espenido also led policemen in the deadly predawn raids last July 30, which resulted in the killing of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, his wife and 14 others.

Police said several unlicensed firearms, ammunition, drugs and cash were seized during the raids.

Members of the Parojinog family have claimed that the items seized during the raids were planted and that the mayor and the other fatalities did not fire at the policemen.

The slain mayor's children, Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and Reynaldo Jr., were arrested during the raids. —ALG, GMA News