Office of the Vice President

2 August 2017

Vice President Leni Robredo reiterated anew her support for proper law enforcement in the government campaign against illegal drugs, while noting the need for a thorough investigation into the raid in Ozamiz City that led to the deaths of several people, including Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and members of his family.

“Inaasahan natin na masusing imbestigasyon iyong gagawin. Hindi basta-basta iyong insidente na nangyari,” she told reporters Wednesday, at the sidelines of her “Metro Laylayan” visit in Navotas City.

The Vice President emphasized that our citizens’ trust in law enforcement institutions is the “essence of our democracy,” and that this trust must be maintained by ensuring that justice is served in every case.

“Kailangang mapakita na iyong hustisya mase-serve… Gusto nating magtiwala sa mga institusyon ng pamahalaan na gagawin iyong imbestigasyong nararapat,” she said.

Asked about its implication on the administration’s war against illegal drugs, VP Leni said the incident will likely serve as a warning to public officials who are involved in illegal acts.

She insisted, however, that the rule of law must always be observed.

“Kuwestiyon din ito doon sa paraan, sa paraan ng paggawa, kasi iyong demokrasya naman natin nakabase sa rule of law. Iyong demokrasya natin, nakabase sa integrity ng institutions, kaya mahalaga iyong proseso na pagdaraanan, kasi ito iyong makakapag-determine kung kailangan ba tayong tumiwala,” she said. “Dapat sana kailangan nating tiwalaan iyong mga institusyon, iyong pamahalaan, kasi iyon naman iyong mangangalaga, magbibigay ng proteksyon sa ating lahat.”