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A party-list lawmaker on Monday alleged that the killing of Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. was triggered by the "pressure" on President Rodrigo Duterte to bring down high-profile personalities in his war on drugs and not just ordinary individuals.
"Bakit pinatay? Kasi nape-pressure ang ating pangulo na puro na lang mahihirap at naka-tsinelas ang pinapatay," Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano told reporters in a press conference at the House of Representatives.
"Kaya nga ang sinasabi nila, ito malaki ito, tignan ninyo ito. Ito yung aming accomplishment sa aming war on drugs," he added.
Parojinog, his wife Susan and his brother Octavio were killed in a pre-dawn raid on their homes in Ozamiz City on Sunday.
Twelve others were killed in the incident, while Parojinog's daughter, Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and her brother Reynaldo Parojinog Jr. were arrested.
Duterte had tagged the Parojinogs as being involved in the illegal drug trade.
Alejano argued that even though Duterte may not be directly involved in the incident, he still has a responsibility as he is the chief executive of the country.
"Lahat ng ginagawa ng gobyerno, ang may responsibilidad ay pangulo. So whatever the government does or fails to do, it's the responsibility of the President," he said.
"Kung nagsabi ang pangulo na patayin niyo lahat 'yan, sabi hindi na hindi naman ako nag-utos, you are still liable because you are the president," he added.
Massacre?
Alejano also said that at first glance, the incident looks like a massacre.
"Maraming information pa ang dapat dumating sa atin. Magiging unfair din sa ating PNP kung di natin makita lahat. Pero initially looks like that, it looks like a massacre," he said.
To be classified a massacre, Alejano said, the number of people killed should be considered.
"Kaya nga sa akin, dapat may information na dapat lumabas. Kasi kung hindi natin sundan ang mga proseso diyan, it will happen again," he added.
In an earlier statement, Alejano stressed that while the government has the responsibility to put an end to illegal drugs, it should also ensure that democratic processes are followed.
"I strongly support the elimination of illicit drugs in the country as much as I strongly advocate for the strengthening of our democratic institutions and democratic processes in the country," he said.
"This has long term implications to our democracy way beyond the term of President Duterte," he added. — BM, GMA News