CHR to probe Mandaluyong 'mistaken identity' shootout
Commission on Human Rights chair Chito Gascon said on Friday that the NCR Regional Director Diana de Leon has been directed to constitute an investigative team to handle the police shootout in Mandaluyong City that claimed at least two lives. Facebook/Commission on Human Rights
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights will initiate a probe on the "mistaken identity" shootout in Mandaluyong that claimed at least two lives.
In a text message to Philstar.com, human rights commission chair Chito Gascon said that "the National Capital Region Regional Director lawyer Diana De Leon has been directed to constitute an investigation team."
Gascon added that the team will be led by CHR Senior Inspector Jolly Torres.
The Commission on Human Rights is mandated to serve as the watchdog against government abuses.
READ: Police chief, 10 others relieved over Mandaluyong 'misencounter'
The CHR, in its earlier statement, stressed that every government agency has an obligation to protect the rights of the people—the PNP on the right to life and property, the Department of Health on the right to health, and the Department of Education on the right to education.
"But if it is the state that violated the human rights, it is the responsibility of the CHR to act as the conscience of the government," the commission added.
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Case probe
Two people were killed in a case of mistaken identity as cops fired at a white Adventure late evening of December 28, along Shaw Boulevard.
Joan Ambaan was shot in Addition Hills earlier that night. The individuals in the white van brought her into their vehicle to rush the wounded victim to the hospital.
Village watchmen thought they were involved in the shooting and relayed the information to the police.
This led to village watchmen and cops shooting the individuals inside the white van.
Senior Superintendent Moises Villaceran Jr., Mandaluyong police chief, was relieved of his post on Friday morning.
Ten other police officers were also sacked from their positions. They have been disarmed and placed under restrictive custody.
The Mandaluyong watchmen were likewise ordered suspended by City Mayor Carmelita Abalos.
The Malacañang assured that the matter "will be investigated fully even if there appears to be excessive force utilized by police authorities."
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