SC issues second writ of amparo against gov’t anti-illegal war

February 21, 2017

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a second writ of amparo with protection order on the family of an alleged drug pusher who was killed in the government’s all-out war on illegal drugs.

In its en banc session, the SC granted the plea for writ of amparo and temporary protection order sought by Christina Macandog-Gonzales, widow of Joselito Gonzales who died of multiple gunshot wounds on July 2016 in Antipolo City. Gonzales’ family is covered by the temporary protection order.

Named respondents in the petition were Department of Interior and Local Government  Secretary Ismael Sueño, Philippine National Police Director-General Ronald Dela Rosa, Chief Superintendent Valfrie Tabian, Senior Superintendent Adriano Enong, Superintendent Simnar Semacio Gran, Inspector Dogwe, Allen Cadag, Mark Riel Canilon, and several John Does coming from the Antipolo City Police Station (CPS) Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (PNP AIDSOTF) and Provincial Special Operating Unit Team.

The high court ordered respondents from entering within a radius of one kilometer from the petitioner’s residence and work.

The SC remanded the case to the Court of Appeals for hearing and the respondents were given five working days to make a verified return.

The appellate court has been given 10 days after the hearing to issue a ruling.

The Supreme Court issued the first writ of amparo and protection order in favor  a survivor and relatives of a tokhang operation in Payatas, Quezon City last February.

In her petition,  Macandog claimed she and her husband “were induced by respondent police officers to deal in drugs.”

But in mid-2016, they decided to surrender, but before they could do the same, Cadag and Canilon threatened to kill them.

The petitioner said she has gone into hiding, leaving her child behind for fear she will be  next to die. DMS