Palace refuses to classify yet as “political killing” death of activist priest in Nueva Ecija

December 5, 2017

Malacanang refused on Tuesday to classify as "political killing" the death of an activist Catholic priest in Nueva Ecija.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said investigation has been ongoing on the killing of Fr. Tito Paez by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving along Barangay Lambakin in Jaen town.

The priest allegedly helped in posting bail of a detained suspected communist.

"We do not know yet if this is a political killing pursuant to the definition of the Supreme Court on extralegal killings, which is a killing of political activist and a killing of journalist," Roque said.

"And if authorities decide that this is an instance of a killing of an activist, then we have AO 35 that was created precisely to investigate and prosecute these cases. So if it is determined by authorities and it is state authorities that will determine whether or not it is a political killing, then it will be covered by AO (Administrative Order) 35," he said.

Asked if there is a need to conduct performance audit of law enforcement agencies in solving the extrajudicial killings, Roque said, "as an appointed Presidential Adviser on Human Rights, that’s one of the things that I intend to undertake to ensure that we are in discharge of our state obligation on the right to life."

He said he would meet members of the inter-agency group on extra-legal killings and enforced disappearances and will ask for a report.

"I will examine the cases that they have in fact focused on. And we will agree on if there are new cases that the task force should focused on as well," he added. Celerina Monte/DMS