PNP vows impartial probe into deadly Negros Oriental ops in light of alleged irregularities

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday assured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation into the deadly police operations in Negros Oriental which resulted in the deaths of 14 farmers suspected to be communist rebels as some of the grieving families claimed that several irregularities took place.

According to reports, the families said the police officers took from the farmers cellphones, belongings and thousands of pesos in cash, while another said a cop planted a firearm during the raid.

Asked for comment, PNP spokesman Police Colonel Bernard Banac maintained that the corresponding investigation by the PNP Internal Affairs Service is "deemed in the ambit of fairness, truth, and justice whatever results may divulge." 

"The impartial investigation is on-going to verify the claims," Banac told GMA News Online in a text message.

He added it will "determine if there were lapses in this series of police operations launched by our local police units accorded to the Revised Police Operations Procedures," he added.

The PNP spokesperson reiterated that PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde swiftly ordered the administrative relief of the Provincial Director of Negros PPO and three police chiefs in the province to pave the way for a thorough investigation.

Several groups have called for the PNP chief's resignation over the deadly anti-criminality operations in Canlaon City, and in the towns of Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina last Saturday.

Malacañang however slammed such calls, saying these are without basis in fact and in law.

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the operations that led to the killings were all legitimate. —KG, GMA News