By Ronron
February 28, 2007
The US government on Wednesday made true its promise of offering assistance to the Philippines as far as solving the extrajudicial killing cases in the country is concerned.
Chief Supt. Geary Barias of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG said he was scheduled to meet this afternoon with Mr. Scot Marciel and Mr. Scott Pelart from the US Embassy in Manila to discuss details about the proposed technical assistance of the US to the country.
“Initially, we are looking at further training to enhance the capability of our investigators, and acquisition of equipment to upgrade our existing forensic and investigative capability,” Barias said in a statement.
On Tuesday, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney said the challenge for Philippine law enforcers and security forces is more on investigating the killings deeper as systems and offices to avoid said incidents from happening are already in place.
“The key now is to follow up, to investigate, to fortify the institutions that investigate, to hold people responsible, and therefore, the innocent, declare them innocent. It’s the only way that you can really get at this problem,” Kenney said.
Barias said a committee will be formed by the PNP upon the directive of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon to study the possible areas of cooperation and assistance where the US offer will fit in.
“Certainly, this offer of the US Embassy for assistance will serve as a capacity-building measure and boost the efforts of Task Force USIG to investigate and prosecute cases,” Barias said.
He thanked Kenney for the offer and the appreciation on the Philippine government’s efforts and serious action plan to address the slay cases of journalists and Leftist activists.
Task Force USIG was created in May last year following the prevalence of extrajudicial killings in the country./END
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