SolGen vows to defend PNP from probes on alleged illegal killings

MANILA, Philippines – Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday declared his support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) saying he would defend the police from investigations against them.

“I am here to indicate the support of the Duterte government for the anti-drug campaign. The Office of the Solicitor General is the defender of Republic of the Philippines or the people of the Philippines,” Calida said in a televised press briefing.

Calida was reacting to the call of lawmakers to conduct a probe into the alleged extrajudicial killings committed by the police against several suspects. Last week, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat and Sen. Leila De Lima sought for a legislative inquiry on the growing number of extrajudicial killings.

READ: Solon calls for probe on killings of drug suspects

The solicitor general stressed that there is no need for an “investigation in aid of legislation” and advised PNP personnel not to be afraid of any Congressional or Senate investigations as the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is ready to defend them. He said the OSG would “not allow anybody to derail” the implementation of the order of the president to stop the drug menace in the country.

“If there is a fiscalizer, I am the neutralizer and defender of the PNP.  Huwag kayog matakot,” Calida said.

Calida said the OSG would be the first line of defense and would first determine if the investigations are really in aid of legislation. Otherwise, he said the PNP personnel in question would be advised not to attend. He said it must follow the criteria of “investigation in aid of legislation.”

“There are certain requisites, so pag wala dun ‘yung criteria, hindi po yun in aid of legislation. If it is in aid of media mileage we will not tolerate,” Calida said.

Calida stressed that the OSG would determine if the call for probes are being pushed to embarrass the president or to derail the momentum of actions against drug trafficking in the country. He said there is no need to reinvent legislations.

Asked about his advice if a PNP member is summoned before the House of Representatives or Senate, Calida said his office would "cross the bridge when we get there.”