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Spain seeks justice for citizen killed in drug war operation in PH -- DOJ

Philippines | National

Spain seeks justice for citizen killed in drug war operation in PH -- DOJ

By Jeffrey Damicog

Department of Justice

The government of Spain has sought justice for its citizen, Diego Lapuente, who was killed during an illegal drugs operation conducted by the police in Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte on Jan. 8, 2020.

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said “the Spanish ambassador went to see me twice about this case which had caught public attention in Spain.”

“That’s why I directed the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to intensify its investigation which eventually resulted in the filing of criminal charges against the respondent police officers,” Guevarra pointed out.

Last Sept. 17, a murder charge was filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against policemen of the General Luna Municipal Police Station, namely: Chief of Police PCpt. Wise Vicente Panuelos, and PSSg. Ronel Pazo and PSSg. Nido Boy Cortes.

The policemen, who had been directed to submit their counter-affidavits on or before Oct. 25, were charged in the reported killing of Lapuente, who had been suspected as an illegal drugs trader and who allegedly fought back during a buy-bust operation.

They were charged with murder under Article 248 the Revised Penal Code (RPC); perjury under Article 183 of the RPC; and planting of evidence under Section 38 of Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013.

“Incidentally, this is one of the 52 cases of anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred that were turned over to the DOJ by the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Guevarra said.

The DOJ had finished the review of the 52 cases and Guevarra had already ordered the NBI to conduct case build up against the 153 policemen involved. One of the 52 cases, however, was not involving illegal drugs.

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