Even though the policeman seen in the viral “tanim-baril’ or gun-planting video is already dead, the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) will still continue the investigation into the incident.
In a report by Jun Veneracion on GTV “State of the Nation” on Wednesday, PNP-IAS Inspector General Atty. Alfegar Triambulo said that they will carefully review the video of the alleged planting of a gun on the slain suspect in Valencia, Bukidnon.
“Titingnan natin kung may kuha pa na iba. Especially, kung sino kumuha niyan o baka may mga iba pa siyang kuha,” said Triambulo.
In the “tanim-baril” video, police identified as Corporal Benzon Gonzales can be seen firing the gun three times in the air before being placed on the body of drug suspect Pol Estañol.
The incident happened on February 20, but just a few days later, Gonzales allegedly died in the accident.
Since Gonzales is dead, the IAS said they will investigate the comrades in the operation and their chief.
He said they will be held accountable when convicted.
“Mayroon naman siyang kasama, mayroon naman tayong tinatawag na conspiracy. So kaya tuloy po ‘yung kaso, kaya tuloy po ‘yung investigation. At kung may alam po itong kaniyang mga commanders para maisama po natin sa pagsampa ng kaso,” said Triambulo.
PNP-IAS to investigate ‘tanim-baril’ incident in Bukidnon
The National Police Commission is also conducting an investigation into the incident.
Upon examination by the National Police Commission, it appears that Gonzales has no bad record.
But according to Atty. Chito Noel Bustonera, acting service chief of the Legal Affairs Service, said the incident did not help the image of the police.
“Hindi maganda sa imahe ng pulis kung mayroon pong mga ganiyang klase ng video na nakikita na mayroong kakulangan sa ating officers of the PNP,” said Bustonera.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite asked the House of Representatives to also investigate the alleged “tanim-baril.”
“Mukhang kasama na talaga sa standard operating procedures ng mga police operations itong pamemeke ng shootout upang palabasing nanlaban ang mga biktima ng extrajudicial killings,” said the congressman.