NCRPO chief sets sights on those behind summary executions

MANILA, Philippines - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said yesterday he is focusing on those behind the rash of summary executions of suspected criminals and drug pushers in Metro Manila.

Should those behind extrajudicial killings turn out to be police officers, Espina vowed to work for their dismissal from the police service.

He issued a statement following the discovery recently of bodies of suspected criminals believed to be victims of summary execution in several secluded parts of Metro Manila. In some cases, the bodies had placards indicating they had reportedly been snatchers, robbers or drug pushers, and that they should not be emulated.

“Summary killings are definitely a no-no. If the person has an offense, he should be investigated, prosecuted and incarcerated. But killing that person is definitely not allowed,” Espina said in a radio interview.

He directed the NCRPO’s five district directors to investigate cases of extrajudicial killings and file charges against those involved, even if they are police officers.

Espina noted that Superintendent Alex Navarette, Manila Police District Station 1 commander, is being investigated by the Commission on Human Rights and the Philippine National Police’s Internal Affairs Service for the killing of a robbery suspect in the police station recently.

The twin probes were initiated after the victim’s family claimed he was summarily executed.