MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros called on her fellow senators to investigate the Ozamiz City Police raid against Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and his men.

“Nakakabahala talaga itong testimonya ng di umano ng survivor. Kaya nanawagan ako sa mga kapwa ko senador na siguruhin namin na magkakaroon ng isang tapat at independenteng imbestigasyon,” she said. ( The testimony of an alleged survivor is disturbing. That is why I am calling on my fellow senators to ensure that there will be an honest and independent investigation.)

In response, Minority Leader Senator Franklin Drilon said he is in support on any resolution that will be filed regarding the incident. He himself expressed doubt on the said police operation.

“The rules of court, as a rule, search warrants should be served during daytime. If it is served in the evening it must be so specified…,” Sen. Franklin Drilon said.

But according to Senator Cynthia Villar, it is better to leave the investigation to the authorities.

“Iba-ibang versions, we don’t know what to believe, tapos sila rin ang mag-iinvestigate diyan, hindi tayo,” Sen. Villar said. (There are different versions, we don’t know what to believe. In the end, they will be the ones to conduct the investigation, not us.)

Meanwhile, Senate Committee on Public Order & Dangerous Drugs chair, Senator Panfilo Lacson said there is no reason to conduct an investigation.

According to the senator, he will study first any resolution that will be filed on the incident to find compelling reasons to conduct a probe in aid of legislation.

“Kung merong affidavit ang witness, eh di pwede siguro . . . mahirap kasi kada police operation at may namamatay tatawag tayo ng hearing. Imagine niyo itsura ng Senado,” said Lacson. (If the witness has an affidavit, its possible…it would be difficult if every time somebody dies in a police operation we’ll call for a hearing. Just imagine how the Senate would look like.)

Senator Lacson’s Committee will be the one in charge should a resolution is formally filed in the senate regarding the incident. – Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue

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