DoJ to give ‘special attention’ to cop caught planting evidence on video
THE Department of Justice (DoJ) is conducting its own investigation on the cop caught on video in Valencia City planting a gun as evidence against a suspect killed in a drug operation. Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said on Thursday the review panel led by the department “will certainly give special attention to this particular incident in Valencia City.” He said regardless of the outcome of the Philippine National Police’s own probe, “the DoJ-led review panel will continue looking into incidents of death during illegal drug operations in other parts of the country, including Region X (Northern Mindanao).” He added that if the video footage of the incident is authenticated, “it will be a very useful and relevant piece of evidence in determining where liability lies.” The policeman on the video, which has gone viral on social media, has been identified as Police Corporal Benzon Gonzales. The cop was recorded firing a gun three times then putting the gun beside the body of a slain drug suspect identified as Pol L. Estañol. The suspect was later reported to have fired at policemen during the drug buy-bust operation. The incident reportedly took place on Feb. 20 in the city in Bukidnon province. —