Probe vs cops in Taysan school arson starts

Almost a month after they allegedly burned an elementary school in Taysan, Batangas used as a polling center for the May 14 national elections, two policemen will begin facing this week the administrative case filed against them. Chief Superintendent Jaime Tagaca of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Internal Affairs Service said Tuesday that Inspector Roberto Marinda and SPO2 William Relos Jr will undergo pre-charge investigation this week for grave misconduct in relation to the burning of the Pinagbayanan Elementary School last May 15. "This week, the pre-charge investigation will start against the suspected policemen involved in the heinous crime in Taysan," Tagaca said. Tagaca said six other suspects, whose identities he refused to divulge, will also undergo the same investigation. Marinda, Relos and six other John Does were charged last May 23 before the Batangas Provincial Prosecutors Office for double homicide and multiple serious physical injuries in relation to the same incident. Police said the suspects were ordered by a local politician to burn the Pinagbayanan Elementary School so there is basis to seek for a declaration of a failure of election in Taysan. The incident claimed three lives, including a public school teacher, and wounded five others. - GMANews.TV