Nearly three months after Congress stopped its inquiry into the bloody Quezon City shootout between two groups of law enforcers, the National Bureau of Investigation has yet to come up with the findings of its probe on the incident.
Deputy Speaker and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante said the Department of Justice has to file charges against those responsible for the shooting that resulted in the death of four persons.
Abante recalled that the House of Representatives has already started its congressional inquiry when leaders of the chamber agreed to put it on hold to give way to the NBI probe.
"It is now the middle of May and while the DOJ has said that the NBI has wrapped up its investigation into the matter, we need to know if or when they plan to file charges against against the erring personnel,” said Abante.
The shootout between operatives of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority on February 24 was reportedly triggered by a botched drug bust.
Both law enforcement units pointed accusing fingers to each other, prompting calls for a probe by the neutral NBI.
“In early March, Congress put on hold its inquiries into this incident as we were assured that law enforcement authorities would conduct an independent inquiry that would flesh out the facts and identify those ultimately responsible for this tragedy," said Abante.
Abante was among the nearly a dozen solons who proposed a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation. He also delivered a privilege speech condemning the culprits that caused the shooting.
"It is now the middle of May and while the DOJ has said that the NBI has wrapped up its investigation into the matter, we need to know if or when they plan to file charges against against the erring personnel."
The Manila lawmaker added: "It is also vital that we know the whole story behind this supposed misencounter so the PNP and PDEA can take the necessary steps to avoid a repeat of this bloody episode.” Abante condemned the “senseless killings' even as he slapped a “developing culture” of violence in the PNP.
"Swift and concrete action must be taken to hold those accountable for these deaths," said the lawmaker.
"The families of the slain deserve justice, and our constituents need to be reassured that our law enforcement agencies can be trusted to serve and protect,” he said.