GORDON ALARMED BY MAYOR ESPINOSA KILLING IN LEYTE JAIL

Senator Richard "Dick" J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice, expressed alarm on the reported killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinos Sr. inside the Baybay City, Leyte sub-provincial jail where he was detained.

Gordon is puzzled by the alleged circumstances surrounding the death of the late Mayor Espinosa detained in jail on drug charges.

"This is a dagger in the heart of the criminal justice system as it appears that even those who are in the custody of the law are no longer safe," the senator said.

"How can we encourage suspects to surrender under the law in this situation? It's a slap on the face of the rule of law and it signals a more desperate system - a 'take no prisoners' approach. This creates an atmosphere of intimidation and fear and puts everybody in danger," he added.

Gordon thus urged the police to investigate this incident and prevent all killings, especially of those already arrested and detained, lest it be construed or misconstrued as part of the Duterte administration's all-out war against drugs.

"It is in the public interest to dispel speculations as well as to allay fear among our people. The police must show that it is responsible and capable of protecting its citizens and delivering justice to them under the rule of law," he declared.