BuCor chief orders probe into killing of whistleblower

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Benjamin Delos Santos ordered the creation of an investigation team to probe the killing of a security officer of the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) on Saturday morning in Carmen, Davao del Norte.

The Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO) identified the victim as Kabunsuan Makilala, who was shot dead by riding in tandem gunmen.

"We will let no stones unturned in this senseless killing. I have directed OIC, DAPECOL to create a special investigation team to conduct thorough investigation & closely coordinate with National Bureau Investigation and PNP,” Delos Santos said in a statement.

”We condole with the bereaved family of PG3 Bong Makilala and provided assistance in their hour of grief,” he added.

He also instructed Colonel Rene Orbe, deputy director for security and operations, to supervise the DAPECOL special investigation team in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

DNPPO provincial director Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Sifuentes said Makilala was shot by unidentified gunmen while he was on a bus.

Sifuentes said that based on their investigation, Makilala was about to go home when he was followed by the suspects from the premises of DAPECOL in the town of Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte.

The body of the victim is now at Carmen funeral homes and will be brought to his hometown in Tacurong, CCotabatoafter the autopsy.

Makilala, 59, is the whistleblower on the alleged corruption and other irregularities at the BuCor. He revealed the alleged irregularities at the BuCor in 2012.

The victim previously sought entry into the Witness Protection Program (WPP) of the Department of Justice after receiving threats when he exposed irregularities at the national penitentiary. ?— with a report from Philstar.com/Rosette Adel