Instead of promising pardon to scalawag policemen who will be convicted in the performance of their duties in the fight against illegal drugs, President Duterte should let the justice system takes its course and punish those who will be found guilty of abuse and other crimes.

 “With his promise, it seems that there are individuals and groups who are above the law,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Duterte’s commitment to police officers who would be convicted in the performance of their duties.

 “Mas magandang hayaan muna nating umusad ang ating sistemang panghustisya bago ang anumang pangako,” he added.

 It was reported that among those who could receive pardon are 19 police officers involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa. The police officers were ordered arrested and charged with murder.

 The police officers killed Espinosa inside the Baybay sub-provincial jail last year.  They claimed that the mayor fired at them while they were about to implement a search warrant.

In the Senate hearing, however, a medico-legal officer from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) determined that the shots were fired when Mayor Espinosa was lying down. Other details regarding the altercation also raised alarm bells with fellow police who narrated these to the Senators.

 According to its report, the Committee on Public Order, chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Espinosa’s murder was premeditated and the involved policemen committed abuse of authority.