EPD sets probe of ‘red-tagging’ tarpaulin

MANILA, Philippines — The Eastern Police District (EPD) has launched an investigation on the tarpaulin that red-tagged a Mandaluyong judge who acquitted two activists of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, EPD director, said yesterday he has ordered probers to exhaust all means to find out the people responsible for the streamer that was hung from a footbridge along EDSA.

Baccay also instructed probers to coordinate  with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and with the city government for surveillance camera footage that could provide leads on the identities of those responsible for the tarpaulin, which implied that Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 209 Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio has links to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Ignacio had ordered the release of journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago, who were arrested last year by police.

Baccay said there has been no request yet from Ignacio for additional security. The police official said they have personnel securing the Mandaluyong Hall of Justice.

In an interview yesterday, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said the Supreme Court (SC) has given Ignacio the concessions she requested, but declined to elaborate, citing confidentiality.

“If her life is threatened, the first thing that we do is protect her because she’s our employee,” he said.

Peralta said the SC will look into Ignacio’s case, as well as a petition to address lawyers’ killings, next week. – Robertzon Ramirez