Senate expected to lash PNP for Capitol siege
Instead of a commendation, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who participated in the siege of the Iloilo provincial capitol last week, should expect to get a lashing from the Senate.
Sen. Franklin Drilon said that commending the policemen involved in the operation is 'uncalled for,' and that the PNP is likely to get a lashing over the incident.
Police Dir. Edgardo Doromal, the head of a fact-finding investigation into the Capitol incident, earlier cleared the police of any violation and recommended that they be commended.
"That is totally uncalled for," reacted Drilon, chairman of the committee on public order and illegal drugs, which is one of the Senate committees investigating the controversial police operation to remove Gov. Niel Tupas.
Although he refrained from revealing the contents of their investigation report, Drilon said that it will be opposite from that of the police.
"Certainly it will be opposite of the fact-finding committee in terms of a finding of violations of the rules of engagement regarding the use of excessive force," Drilon stressed. "We believe (that the rules of engagement) were violated in the Capitol siege."
According to Drilon, his colleagues in the Senate have reacted against the police because of the incident.
Sen. Alfredo Lim, chairman of the committee on local government, was 'aghast,' and Sen. Rodolfo Biazon of the committee on national defense was "disgusted with the way the Philippine National Police utilized excessive force," Drilon said.
Two Senate committees have just finished investigating the incident.
"We will now be crafting our committee report and submitting the same to the Senate before the Senate adjourns," he said.
The Senate held a hearing Thursday morning, during which Tupas and several other officials of the province testified.
Region 6 police commander, Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay underwent a grilling over the incident.