Makabayan bloc wants probe of Negros Oriental killings

Initial investigation and testimonies of relatives indicate that the 14 farmers who figured in the recent series of police operations in Negros Oriental were killed "summary execution style."

Anakpawis party-list Representative Ariel Casilao made the remark as he and his fellow lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc prepare to file a House resolution urging an independent and in-depth investigation into the killings.

At a press conference in Quezon City, Casilao said they have been collecting information from the survivors as well as from the family of the slain individuals for their case build-up.

"Our initial collation of data and testimonies from the survivors and the family of the victims point that there was a summary execution ---  a summary execution style," Casilao said.

According to their initial data, the relatives of the individuals were told to go out of the house while the "target" was left inside before being repeatedly shot a "close range," Casilao said.

"Yung tama nila is not a result of an encounter. Why? Very precise, ulo, dibdib na mga [shots], meaning malapitan yan," he added.

Casilao also cast doubt on the claim that the slain individuals fought back resulting it them being shot.

"Yung usapin na nanlaban na meron daw .38-caliber pistol versus 25 operatives with high-caliber firearms, come on! Sabihin natin na may pistula siya, 38-caliber, lumaban siya sa 20 mahigit na matataas na kalibre ang bitbit?" he said.

The Makabayan Bloc is set to file their resolution calling for an investigation on the matter on Wednesday, Casilao said, which would also demand for the PNP to divulge every personnel involved in the operation so that they could identify the perpetrators of the killings.

"We will pursue, at all costs, cases for the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel to be held accountable," Casilao added.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde earlier in the day said that he had ordered the relief of the provincial police office director and three town police chiefs in Negros Oriental where in deadly police operation occurred. —NB, GMA News