Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana pointed out that the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was merely to support the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s operations in CALABARZON on Sunday where 9 activists were killed.
In a public briefing, Sec. Lorenzana stated that the AFP was only meant to support the police since the former has no power to make an arrest. He also disclosed that the cops had an arrest warrant to serve to the individuals but a shootout occurred, killing 9 people. Weapons and explosives were confiscated in their possession.
The Defense Chief then appealed to wait for the results of the investigation before jumping to conclusions.
“Ang hiling ko lang sa kabila kasi hindi pa nga nag-uumpisa ang imbestigasyon ay naka-report na tayo sa UN Human Rights [Council]. Siguro hintayin muna natin ang imbestigasyon dito sa atin bago natin isuplong (All I ask from the other side because the investigation has not yet started and we have already been reported to the UNHRC. Maybe we should wait for the results before we report [the incident]).”
He asserted that if foul play will be proven, whoever is responsible will be held liable. -NGS, PTV News Online
