Tupas seeks result of CHR, Ombudsman probe on Capitol siege
Gov. Tupas
Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. has called on the Ombudsman and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to release the results of separate investigations conducted on the armed assault on the provincial capitol, a year after incident happened.
Tupas said none of those responsible for the assault have been charged and held liable for any violations.
The governor made the call in time for the commemoration of the first anniversary of the assault.
"The memories are still fresh, like it happened just yesterday," he said in a telephone interview.
Around 200 policemen of the elite Regional Mobile Group stormed the provincial capitol on January 17, 2007 and smashed glass doors and destroyed padlocked iron gates in their attempt to arrest Tupas and seize control of the capitol.
The assault was launched to implement dismissal order of the Ombudsman against Tupas and then provincial board members Domingo Oso and Cecilia Capadosa for graft charges related to the disbursing funds to the board members league.
The assault was stopped as policemen were about to enter the governor's office at the third floor of the six-story building after the Court of Appeals in Cebu City issued a 60-day temporary restraining order
The CA later issued a permanent injunction against the implementation of the dismissal order. The injunction was subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The assault was widely criticized for the use of excessive force especially after video footages showed policemen dispersing supporters of the governor and heavily armed members of the RMG breaking glass doors, shoving employees and Tupas' supporters aside and pointing guns at the governor's children. Some civilians including journalists were injured in the attack.
The CHR had conducted an investigation and sought the testimonies of witnesses to determine whether members of the assault team violated the rights of those at the capitol. The Ombudsman also conducted its own investigation to determine whether police and civilian officials committed any liabilities in the implementation of the dismissal order.
An investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police, however, not only cleared the policemen of any violation but even commended those involved in the assault and defended the use of force in implementing the order.
The CHR and Ombudsman offices in Western Visayas said the release of the results of their investigation will be up to the central office in Manila.
Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr, the governor's eldest son who was among those held at gunpoint said they have pending charges against police officials and personnel involved in the attack before the Ombudsman. These include charges of physical injuries and grave abuse of discretion.
"We have personally forgiven them but we will pursue the cases," said the younger Tupas in a separate telephone interview.
He said the Ombudsman and CHR should release their findings "so that the people will know."
The governor will lead commemorative rites at the provincial capitol today which will include Mass and a program attended by those who were present during the attack.