PNP report on Espinosa slay out this month

MANILA, Philippines -  The Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to submit its investigation reports and recommendations on the police officers implicated in two high-profile killings last year.

IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo yesterday said they have wrapped up their probe on the killing of former Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa and are now in the process of drafting a decision against the policemen implicated in the killing.

He said the report would be submitted to PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa before the end of the month.

At least 18 police officers including Supt. Marvin Marcos, the former chief of the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), were relieved from their posts for their involvement in the killing of Espinosa.

Espinosa was killed in his cell in the provincial jail in Baybay City, Leyte after he allegedly tried to shoot it out with the lawmen from the CIDG who were serving a search warrant in the early hours of Nov. 5.

Another inmate identified as Raul Yap was also killed in the supposed shootout with the policemen.

The CIDG maintained there was a legitimate armed encounter but initial investigation revealed otherwise.

Triambulo said there was a delay in the proceedings as Marcos and the other police officers were allowed to go home to Leyte to gather evidence for their defense.

National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman Rogelio Casurao said the commission stopped its own probe on Espinosa’s case after learning that IAS is almost done with its investigation.

Triambulo refused to reveal their recommendations, citing confidentiality, adding the findings will only be made public once Dela Rosa signs the draft decision.

“I can’t divulge the contents because that is internal with the chief PNP,” he said.

Upon receipt of the draft decision, Dela Rosa has 30 days to approve it or make some revisions, taking into account that the PNP chief has his own review team.

Meanwhile, IAS found probable cause to proceed with its summary hearing against officers tagged in the killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.

“It was docketed last Feb. 1 so it means there is probable cause,” Triambulo said.

The policemen involved – Supt. Rafael Dumlao III, SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, SPO4 Roy Villegas, PO2 Christopher Baldovino and another officer whom Triambulo did not identify – will be given a chance to submit their evidence.

“They will be asked to submit their position papers and then we can make our recommendations,” he said.

Barring major hitches, Triambulo said IAS would come up with a draft decision by the middle of March.

If found guilty, the police officers will face dismissal from the police service, apart from the criminal charges that would be filed against them.