On Duterte’s statements on the killing of Espinosa

President Duterte’s presumption of regularity in the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) operation that resulted in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Ronaldo Espinosa and Raul Yap signals the outcome of any official probe on the incident. The statement will be taken as a go-signal for the exoneration of the CIDG and the masterminds of the killing. It promotes the culture of impunity, and grants credence and legitimacy to every police action claimed to be in line with the war on drugs.

It’s as clear as day: The killing of Espinosa and Yap in jail, while they were being served purportedly with a search warrant at 4 a.m., was a rubout.  Direct witnesses, like the jail guards and inmates, the time stamps and other circumstances, even the mysterious loss of the CCTV footage of the incident, and perhaps more—all indicate the accountability of the CIDG in Eastern Visayas.

Mr. Duterte should recognize that the police force that he is relying on for his “war on drugs” is deeply involved in the very horror of “narcopolitics” that he keeps talking about. At least, he can and should pave the way for an independent investigation on the killing, including the motives behind it and the involvement of government officials and personalities in the illegal drug trade. More than being relieved from their posts, the involved cops should be investigated as to who ordered the killing of Espinosa. Heads must roll.

CRISTINA PALABAY, secretary general, Karapatan, [email protected]