Gov’t open to investigate alleged killings: Panelo

September 27, 2017

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Wednesday the government is open to  investigation of  alleged killings under the administration as stated in the resolution filed by senators on Tuesday.

"The resolutions say investigate. It's okay, even me I would want it to be investigated ", Panelo said.

At least 16 senators, led by Senator Panfilo Lacson and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, signed a resolution on Tuesday calling for the government to stop the killings, especially those which include minors.

The resolution was filed following the deaths of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos and 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz who were allegedly shot by policemen in two different incidents.

Panelo said when Duterte saw the CCTV video of the suspected drug courier delos Santos, being dragged by two policemen he immediately ordered for the relief of the police officers involved.

"You can see in the Kian cases when the president saw the video that there is really an abuse, he instantly remove them, he wanted them to be detained immediately", he said.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte will not tolerate any abuse of authority on the part of police officers during operations.

"The president right from the start...said to the police officers, I will support you, presidency will be behind you but do not abuse your authority because there will be held to pay", he said. Alanna Ambi/DMS