PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas. (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday urged the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to just shut up if it cannot prove its claim that slain peace consultants of the National Democratic Front (NDF) Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay did not fire back at arresting officers in an operation in Angono, Rizal last week.
“Now, if the CPP-NPA (New People’s Army) claims anything, we would not react to that. If they want, they could always file a case in court if they have evidence. If they don’t have any, they better keep their mouths shut,” PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Crame.
Sinas said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Police Regional Office 4-A (Calabarzon) just implemented the search warrants against the couple last November 25 for charges of illegal possession of firearms.
Warrants of arrest for homicide and murder cases were also implemented against the couple, Sinas said.
"Pag sinabi ng mga terorista na hindi manlaban, sa kanila 'yun (If the terrorist claim that they did not fight back, it is up to them). We are open for any investigations. Ang paglaban ay hindi sa tanda, wala sa tanda 'yan (The ability to fight back is not dependent on age)," Sinas said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.
The police said that Topacio and Magpantay resisted arrest, which resulted in an encounter.
The injured couple was brought to the Rizal Provincial Hospital but declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
“The CIDG 4-A has search warrants and arrest warrants for them. During that time, there were firearms recovered from them," Sinas said.
Sinas added the two are not an ordinary couple.
“They are hardened terrorists and based on the findings after the operation, they were deeply involved in underground movement,” said Sinas.
Sinas, however, said the Internal Affairs Service will conduct a motu proprio investigation on the incident.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
