MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he was embarrassed that Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo was killed inside Camp Crame, the main headquarters of the country's law enforcers.
"Very angry. Very offended. Kung pwede matunaw na ako sa kinalalagyan ko sa hiya (If I could only melt in shame from where I am now)," dela Rosa told reporters at Malacañan on Thursday.
Dela Rosa said he would kill the policemen involved in Jee's kidnap-slay if it were allowed by law.
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"If I have my way, I would kill the policemen who are kidnappers. But I cannot do it because it's illegal," the police chief said.
Dela Rosa said President Rodrigo Duterte was angered by the incident.
He said he is convinced that SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, who allegedly strangled the victim to death. The police chief also apologized to the South Korean government for what happened to one of its citizens.
"I'm very sorry this crime happened and my men were involved…We'll give them proper explanation in due time. We will update them and give the whole explanation when everything is done," dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa denied notions that the incident indicates that there is a breakdown of rule of law in the country.
"For all you know, let us be frank here, there were more crimes before the time of our president that we did not know about because the leadership of the PNP then was not as tough in terms of internal cleaning. I'm sorry to the previous PNP chiefs. I don't mean to offend them," he said.
Dela Rosa also maintained that the wrongdoings of policemen would not be condoned and that the president's protection only covers acts done in the performance of their duty.
"They would be punished if they are involved in wrongdoings," he said.