Probe slay of lawyer’s security aide — Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has ordered an investigation into the killing of a security aide of lawyer and senatorial candidate Glenn Chong.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo assured the family of Richard Santillan that the President would not condone any wrongdoing by law enforcers. 

“The Palace strongly denounces the brutal and brazen incident which led to the death of Mr. Richard Red Santillan. President Duterte has ordered a fair and thorough investigation of the case until the killers, including the mastermind, are put behind bars,” Panelo said in a statement. 

“Serious accusations have been made against some members of the Calabarzon police. Let the chips fall as they may. (The President) does not condone erring men in uniform who grossly violate the law,” he added. 

Public Attorney’s Office forensics chief Erwin Erfe said Santillan could have been tortured before he was killed.

Erfe said the victim’s body bore 63 wounds and had fracture and puncture injuries in the head, chest and abdomen, which could indicate torture.

Santillan was killed in an alleged encounter with police officers in Cainta, Rizal last Dec. 10. He was reportedly driving Chong’s car with two other men when he encountered police officers who were looking for a stolen vehicle.

Chong denied that Santillan was driving a stolen vehicle, saying his aide went to Cainta to attend a gift-giving program.