(Eagle News)–The Philippine National Police will extend legal assistance to Ozamiz police chief Jovie Espenido and his men who are facing a homicide case for the deaths of nine people during a police operation in 2017.
PNP spokesperson Benigno Durana said it was up to Espenido, SPO4 Renato Martir Jr., and PO1 Sandra Nadayag, among others, if they would avail of such services.
“Those accused have right to due process and defend themselves. Since Espenido’s action during that incident resulted in death of some people… nandun sa kanyang performance of their function. So, definitely we will support our people in their legal struggle,” Durana said.
In its resolution penned by Loverhette Jeffrey Villordon, assistant state prosecutor, and approved by acting prosecutor general Richard Fadullon, the DOJ said there was basis for the homicide charges filed by Carmelita Manzano against the group and other John Does for the deaths of Jeffrey Manzano, Romeo Libatan, and four others during what the police argued was a follow-up operation on robbery-hold-up suspects.
In recommending the filing of six counts of homicide in court, the DOJ dismissed Espenido group’s argument they should be spared from such because the deaths occurred in the performance of their duty.
“Unfortunately for the respondents, their admission of killing the herein victims is, on its own, sufficient to establish probable cause for the crime of homicide,” the DOJ said.
Espenido led the July 2017 raid that led to the deaths of several individuals including Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., who was allegedly linked to illegal drugs.
Among those arrested in the raid were Parojinog’s daughter, Vice Mayor Nova Princess.
Espenido also led the raid in the house of self-confessed drug distributor Kerwin Espinosa in Albuera, Leyte in 2016.
