Task force, CHR to probe slay of Ozamiz judge

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has created a task force to look into the killing of Ozamiz Regional Trial Court Branch 15 Judge Edmundo Pintac even as the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) initiated a parallel probe.

Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Hebron, Misamis Occidental police director, will lead the task force.

Pintac, who handled the drug cases filed against Parojinog siblings Ozamiz Vice Mayor Nova Princess and Reynaldo Jr., was on his way home when he was shot by motorcyle-riding assailants on Monday.

“We will look closely into the case... and bring the suspects behind bars,” Durana told a press briefing.

He said probers are looking into all possible motives for the killing.

Durana said the task force would also look into the cases that Pintac handled.

“We will coordinate with the family to determine if he received death threats... so we can narrow down the possible motives and... the possible suspects,” Durana said.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the CHR would conduct a parallel probe.

“We stress the importance of the judiciary in administering justice and allowing the rule of law to prevail, especially that only few drug cases reach the courts,” De Guia said.

“The call is for the government to act with urgency as the death toll in the Philippines, especially those allegedly linked to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, continues to grow each day,” she said.