The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of multiple murder charges against 21 Philippine National Police personnel lead by Supt. Hansel Marantan and 14 Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel led by Lt. Col. Monico Abang in connection with the Atimonan checkpoint rubout last January 6.

After a thorough investigation based on physical and documentary evidence, Sec. De Lima said there was no indication that the 13 victims, led by alleged jueteng operator Victor Siman, were engaged in a shootout. 

"Isa sa mga findings, the victims are slumped in the ground, and surrendering but they were still fired on by the PNP operatives," Sec. De Lima told reporters in a press conference.

The Justice Secretary noted that there was tampering of the crime scene and recommended that an obstruction of justice charge be filed against those involved in the operation.

"Karamihan ng firearms na nakuha sa crime scene ay hindi talaga yun ang firearms na ginamit sa insidente," according to Sec. De Lima.