13 cops in Atimonan rubout charged with multiple murder

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed multiple murder charges against the 13 police officers involved in the shooting incident in Atimonan, Quezon last January.

In its official Twitter account, the DOJ said it recommends the filing of multiple murder charges against Superintendent Hansel Marantan and 12 others.

DOJ recommends the filing of Multiple Murder charges against PSupt. Hansel Marantan and 12 others, in connection to the Atimonan incident.

— Dept. of Justice (@DOJPH) September 19, 2013

The DOJ also recommends the filing of obstruction of justice against Senior Inspector John Paolo Carracedo and Lt. Rico Tagure in connection with the Atimonan incident.

"Pursuant to said findings,the DOJ Panel recommended that the corresponding Informations be filed against the respondents (in Atimonan case)," the DOJ said on Twitter.

The charges were filed before the Regional Trial Court of Gumaca, Quezon.

Last January 6, the operation Marantan led a team of government forces against suspected gambling personalities

Marantan was the leader of a police team that participated in the Atimonan rubout on January 6 that killed 13 people including alleged jueteng kingpin Vic Siman.

Last March, President Benigno Aquino III accepted the recommendations and conclusions of the National Bureau of Investigation that there was no shootout between Siman's group and the law enforcers.