The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been ordered to investigate the deaths of two activists who were reportedly killed by policemen in Guinobatan, Albay last July 26, the day President Duterte delivered his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Quezon City.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra gave the directive through Department Order No. 175 he issued last Wednesday, July 28.
The order states that the NBI is “directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation on the killing of Marlon Naperi and Jemar Palero on 26 July 2021 in Guinobatan, Albay and, if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful act in connection therewith.”
Guevarra also instructed NBI Officer-in-Charge Director Eric B. Distor to “submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation directly to the Office of the Secretary within ten (10) days and periodically thereafter.”
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar had also ordered an investigation into the killings and policemen involved have been placed under restrictive custody.
Reports stated that Naperi and Palero were killed along the Banao Bridge in Guinobatan by patrolling PNP members.
The same reports stated that they were caught spray painting a slogan against the President on the occasion of his last SONA.
PNP report stated that Naperi and Palero were armed and started firing when about to be accosted for vandalism. It said that a .45 caliber pistol and a .38 caliber revolver were recovered from them.
But human rights group Defend Bicol Stop the Attacks Network refuted the claims of the policemen and alleged that the activists were unarmed.
Naperi was reported to be a member of the Albay People’s Organization, while Palero was said to be a member of the Organisasyon ng Magsasaka sa Albay.