PNP colonel, 8 others in Tanauan ‘rubout’ sacked

(Update) MANILA, Philippines - A police colonel and eight others were ordered relieved Tuesday by National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon for their involvement in two incidents last week that resulted in the killing of four alleged robbers in what the Commission on Human Rights described as a case of rubout. In a statement, Razon identified the officer as Superintendent Gilbert Suaro whose men from the Provincial Intelligence Branch and Special Operations Group of the Batangas Provincial Police Office participated in the alleged encounter in Tanauan City. "This will give way for an impartial investigation and make sure that the concerned PNP personnel will not be able to use their position to influence the outcome of the investigation," Razon said. Razon directed the regional director of Calabarzon, Chief Superintendent Ricardo Padilla, to reassign the nine personnel to the Regional Headquarters to ensure their availability to face investigation. The relief came in response to the findings of the Commission on Human Rights that there was no indication that three of the four slain alleged robbers - Vivencio Javier, Angelito Malabanan and Rolly Lachica - figured in a shootout as claimed by the police. The CHR had recommended that preventive suspension on all the officers and personnel involved in the operation be meted out. But PNP spokesman, Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said it is too early to place the cops under preventive suspension since they have not yet completed their own investigation on the incident. At the same time, Razon assured the Commission on Human Rights that it will provide the fact-finding body of its documentary requirements to complete the investigation into the incident. The CHR has sought for the complete list of PNP personnel who figured in the armed encounters in Barangay 4 and Barangay Pagaspas in Tanauan City last May 21 and May 22. Razon also instructed the concerned PNP units to furnish the CHR with copies of the after operations report, autopsy report, and Scene of Crime Operations (SOCO) report. The Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) under Director Jefferson P Soriano, was tasked to conduct its own investigation to determine if there were lapses committed according to the Police Operational Procedures. A Special Investigation Team has been formed under the supervision of deputy DIDM Director, Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Mendoza, assisted by the Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Chief Superintendent Raul Castañeda. The SIT is composed of officers from the Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO), Crime Laboratory, and the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of PRO-Calabarzon. The PNP Internal Affairs Service is conducting an investigation motu propio to determine the administrative culpability or irregularities committed by the Batangas PIB-SOG personnel who figured in the encounter. "This investigation will give the concerned members of Task Force RCBC the opportunity to present their side before a proper forum, and clarify allegations made by families of the slain suspects," Razon said. Razon reassured the CHR of the full cooperation of the PNP in the fact-finding investigation. - GMANews.TV