Pubdate: Sat, 12 Feb 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Raquel C. Bagnol
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Davao+Death+Squad
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

ARROYO MUM ON ISSUE OF VIGILANTE KILLINGS

* Orders Dureza to look into the matter

* Dureza says there are proper agencies looking into the spate of killings 
in Davao City

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo refused to give any comment on the spate 
of vigilante killings in Davao City, which has already claimed 51 lives for 
this year alone, and instead directed Presidential Assistant Jesus Dureza 
to look into the issue.

"I am turning over the responsibility to PA Dureza to look into the 
investigation of the vigilante killings in Davao City and in Mindanao," 
Arroyo said.

In the same press conference, Dureza told reporters there are proper 
agencies that are handling the cases of summary executions in the city.

"There are proper agencies that are responsible for the investigation of 
the continuous case of vigilante killings and it would be better for us to 
leave everything at their hands," Dureza said.

Early this week, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao chapter 
president Carlos Isagani Zarate called on President Gloria 
Macapagal-Arroyo, the national leadership of both Houses of Congress, the 
Philippine National Police headed by Director General Edgardo Aglipay, and 
the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to "finally step in and put an 
end to this murderous rampage of this vigilante killings".

Zarate said since 2001, victims of summary executions have already mounted 
to more than 200 all over Southern Mindanao.

"A serious investigation is needed because this is no longer a local issue 
but a national concern," he said, adding that the escalating number of the 
victims of summary execution should not be considered as part of the 
statistics.

The IBP issued a statement following the ambush-slay of lawyer Reuel 
Dalguntas, a member of the IBP-Davao del Norte chapter and his nephew, 
Garry Hofilena on February 5.

Motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked the two at the Panacan Bridge at around 
10 a.m. while en route to Davao City. Dalguntas died while being treated at 
the San Pedro Hospital but Hofilena died on the spot.
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