The Philippine National Police has denied red-tagging the Public Attorney’s Office for extending aid to suspected rebels.
PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., in a letter, told lawyer Ingrid Trixia Rullon-Nastor of PAO’s CARAGA Regional Office 13 in Butuan City that “the PNP did not issue any directive to conduct profiling on personalities providing support to communist terrorist groups, more so on PAO lawyers.”
“The organization recognizes the unequaled contribution of PAO in guaranteeing justice in the society, an endeavor that the PNP shares,” Acorda said.
He responded to Rullon-Nastor’s communication complaining that Col. Dennis Siruno, Surigao del Sur provincial director, issued a memorandum on March 29 directing the Lianga police to profile “legal personalities providing litigation to communist terrorist group cases.”
Cited in the order was Carol Anne General of PAO.
“Unfortunately, one of the lawyers of PAO was subjected to profiling,” the PNP chief lamented. “Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention. Rest assured of the utmost support and cooperation of the PNP on matters of mutual concern,” he said.
PAO chief Persida Acosta lauded the PNP for its support.
She maintained that General was “just doing her job pursuant to Republic Act 9406 or the PAO Law and RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act.” Rio N. Araja