DOJ forms special task force to probe Negros Oriental political killings
By Justine Rich Talusan
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has formed a special task force that will investigate at least 23 political killings in Negros Oriental, including the death of provincial governor Roel Degamo.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed the creation of the special task force composed of the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, National Bureau of Investigation, and other intelligence gathering agencies.
During a hearing before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said that the task force’s composition will include five prosecutors who will continue to handle the prosecution of the cases up to its logical conclusion, including the conduct of the trial proper.
Remulla said the panel of prosecutors and the special task force have been continuously communicating.
The task force aims to prevent the transfer of cases to people who are unfamiliar with the case build-up and ensure that those who are part of the case build-up will actively prosecute and participate in the conduct of the trial.
