Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jul 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: Jose G. Dalumpines
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Davao+Death+Squad
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution

NO DEATH SQUAD

'Vigilante Group Does Not Exist' - Laza

Senior Superintendent Conrado Laza, former director of the Davao City
Police Office, is adamant that there is no evidence to prove the
existence of a vigilante group in the city.

Speaking in a press briefing at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Laza said
the police never had a proof, either documentary or testimony, from
confessed gunmen on the existence of an organized group behind the
killings.

"Without these two very vital documents, how can we say there's really
the DDS (Davao Death Squad)," he said.

Laza said the police can not file cases against the perpetrators in
court in the absence of positive identification of the gunmen.

He also hit back at their detractors who claimed that the police can
pursue cases without evidence.

"Those mouthing for human rights who conducted investigation, were
they able to file a case? They know the reasons for the difficulty in
filing appropriate charges without evidence," Laza said.

Last week, Military Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro endorsed the preventive
suspension order against former Davao City Police Office chief Sr.
Supt. Conrado Laza, Chief Insp. Matthew Baccay, Chief Insp. Filmore
Escobal, and Chief Insp. Vicente Danao Jr. to Ombudsman for Mindanao
Antonio Valenzuela.

The move was based on the recommendation of graft investigation and
prosecution officer Luis E. Aquino who is investigating charges for
neglect of duty and inefficiency and incompetence in the performance
of their official duties.

On Monday, the Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order
on the suspension so the police office officers can answer the
petition of the complainants. 
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