THE dismissal of a murder complaint filed against 17 police officers implicated in the killing of a labor killer on March 7, 2021 has been upheld by the Justice department.
Upon reviewing the motion for reconsideration submitted on behalf of the deceased labor leader Emmanuel “Manny” Asuncion, the DOJ determined that no new arguments were presented warranting a reversal of its initial decision.
In response to the denial, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, representing Liezel Asuncion, widow of the slain labor leader, disclosed their intentions to lodge a petition for review with the Office of the Justice Secretary.
The DOJ has exonerated the following individuals: PLt. Elbert M. Santos, PLt. Shay Jed Sapitula, PSMS Hector R. Cardinales, PMSgt. Ariel P. Dela Cruz, PSSg. Joemark Sajul, PCpl. Ernie A. Ambuyoc, PCCpl. Mark John A. Defiesta, PCpl. Arjay Garcia, PCpl. Caidar Dimacangun, PCpl. Bryan Sanchez, PCpl. Ericson Lucido, Pat. Jayson Maala, Pat. Juanito Plite, Pat. Jonathan Tatel, Pat. Prince Benjamin Torres, Pat. Jaime Turingan, and Pat. Rey PJ Dacara Lopera.
“The arguments presented in the motion for reconsideration essentially reiterate the claims made in the original complaint and response. These matters were thoroughly addressed in the contested Resolution. As explicitly clarified, the complaint and its accompanying evidence did not establish a probable cause against the respondents for the alleged offense, ” the DOJ said.
On March 7, 2021, authorities conducted simultaneous raids in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal that resulted to the death of nine (9) activists and arrest of scores of others.
Reports showed that authorities were able to recover explosives, several firearms, and subversive documents during the said operations in Calabarzon.
The simultaneous raids were carried out by the Philippine National Police together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to serve search warrants for loose firearms and illegal possession of explosives.
