THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has formed two special investigating teams (SIT) to conduct a through probe into the killing of three political activists last week in the Bicol region.
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete told reporters that Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has approved the creation of two special investigating teams (SIT) composed of prosecutors to look into the said killings.
“Acting pursuant to Administrative Order No. 35, the Secretary of Justice
directed the prosecutors to head the investigating teams tasked to ascertain if the incidents are politically motivated, and to assist in the build up of cases for the successful prosecution of those responsible,” the order read.
The three victims were identified as Ryan Hubilla and Nelly Bagasala, alleged members of Karapatan. They were reported killed on June 15, 2019, in Sorsogon.
On the other hand, Neptali Moraga, former Bayan Muna Bicol regional coordinator, was killed in Naga,Camarines Sur on June 17, 2019.
The DOJ required the teams to submit their report within 30 days from the creation of the SIT.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has earlier denied any involvement on the killing.
It claimed that the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army maybe behind the killings to support their filing of writs of amparo and habeas data against the government.