Senators strongly condemned on Friday the killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo inside the headquarters of the Philippine National Police last October, calling the incident “outrageous,” “outright wrong,” and “unacceptable.”
“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit (It’s saddening, infuriating),” Senate President Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III said in a text message, adding that the policemen allegedly involved in the killing should be held liable.
“Enforce the law. The law is in place. Murder is non-bailable,” said Pimentel, who is also a lawyer.
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, a member of the Senate minority group, said the killing inside the PNP compound was not only embarrassing but it was also “outright wrong and unacceptable.”
“This shows the absence of respect and sheer arrogance of some police officers not only with their PNP Chief but with their uniform and organization,” Escudero said in a separate text message, referring to PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
“This is what happens when you handle with kid gloves abusive PNP officers and coddle and protect them (like Col. Marcos). General De la Rosa said it himself once before: ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,’” he said.
The senator was referring to Police Superintendent Marvin Marcos, the sacked head of CIDG-Region 8, who was tagged in the killing of former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
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Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said the incident was probably the “most unwelcome wake-up call” for the PNP chief.
“Having said that, the PNP leadership should lose no time in addressing the issue by henceforth going hammer and tongs against all rogue cops who only care about their personal gains to the detriment of the entire police organization,” Lacson said in a statement.
“Priority must be against those who take advantage of the president’s all-out, mostly bloody war against illegal drugs.
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said the killing allegedly involving the police would be a “big black eye” to the PNP.
“A few rogue cops tarnished the reputation of the whole force. The PNP leadership has to handle this case well and show that no one is above the law. Likewise, leadership has to continue to cleanse its ranks,” Ejercito said. CDG