Erap to MPD: Probe skeleton stockpile

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) should leave no stone unturned in investigating the human skeletons found in an abandoned house at the Islamic Center compound in Quiapo, Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday.

“I am counting on MPD to do an accurate and in-depth investigation to identify and track down all the people behind these horrible killings,” he said in his directive to MPD director Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel.

Estrada also called on the people behind the killings to “surrender while they still have time.”

Coronel said they are hunting down two “persons of interest” who have left Metro Manila, “most likely after the neutralization of former barangay chairman (Faiz) Macabato.”

The MPD conducted an anti-drug operation at the Islamic Center on Oct. 7, 2016, during which Macabato, Barangay 648 chairman; his brother Gaus; Malik Bayantol and four others were killed in a drug raid when they reportedly shot it out with the police.

Coronel said the city police has requested the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory to conduct forensic pathology tests on the skeletal remains found behind the wall of a house along Carlos Palanca street on Jan. 10.

At least seven skeletons have been recovered from the site, which Coronel said was used as a hideout or sanctuary of criminals fleeing from the police.

Incumbent Barangay 648 chairman Sultan Yusof Guinto, who was named after Macabato was killed, said he received information that there were people cemented within the house in 2014 before it was abandoned in 2015.

The house reportedly belongs to Shariff Macabato and his brother, who were cousins of the slain barangay chairman.