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Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Police to probe summary killings
TOP police officials of Davao City have announced that they would look into the spate of summary executions that occurred in the city in the past week that left 11 suspected snatchers and illegal drug pushers dead.
In a television interview Tuesday, Sr. Supt. Conrado Laza, city police chief, said they are set to probe the killings and the alleged existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), a shadowy vigilante group reportedly responsible for the crimes.
But Chief Supt. Isidro Lapeņa, Police Regional Office 11 director, has remained optimistic on the rate of criminality in the city.
"Despite the killings, the crime rate remains to be lowest in the region," he said in a television interview.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, however, said, "somebody must be faster than all of us for him or her to perpetuate all the killings."
Two men suspected to be involved with illegal drugs were killed in separate shooting incidents the other day bringing to 11 the total number of persons summarily executed in eight days.
Michael Lu alias "Eking", 30, resident of Ideal Subdivision, Bago Aplaya, Davao City was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen while on his way home at around 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
The second victim was identified as Ariel Ipong, 33. He was shot dead while cleaning the canal in front of their house in Purok Anahaw, Sta. Teresita, Buhangin, Davao City at around 11 a.m.
Since June 16, nine other victims were shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in what was believed to be the handiwork of vigilante groups. The victims were identified as: Noel Rabia, Wilfredo Gabia, Sajid Aldeguer, Alnerto Sabanal Jr., former policemen Allan Garces and Johnny Olarte, Numbraan Sultan, Marcelito Maganto and Rodrigo Joban.
Duterte assured the public that he will also run after those responsible for the series of summary killings.
"Pangitaon nato ang gapatay, dakpon, idemanda ug prisohon (Let's look for the killers, charge, and imprison them)," Duterte said.
Duterte also warned drug dealers to stop their illegal activities or face his wrath. He likened drug traders to those terrorists who are out to create chaos and destroy the very fiber of the society. AFD
(June 25, 2003 issue)
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