Press Release
December 10, 2008

Gordon seeks review and revision of PNP rules of engagement

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to review and revise its rules of engagement to prevent innocent bystanders from being killed in crossfire between the police and suspected criminals.

Gordon said the killing of five civilians caught in a crossfire between police and armed robbers from the Waray-Waray and Ozamis gangs in Paranaque City last Friday, should prompt the PNP to review the effectiveness of its rules of engagement.

"I think it is very important that the rules of engagement is reviewed and subsequently revised," he said.

"After what happened last Friday, where five innocent civilians were killed in a cross fire between the police and suspected members of robbery gangs, the PNP should see if its rules of engagement is effective in protecting innocent civilians," he added.

The Senator also called on the Senate committee on public order and safety, chaired by Senator Gregorio B. Honasan, to review the said rules and make recommendations for its possible revision.

"It is important that we review it with the end-view of making recommendations for revision and raise it to public attention," he said.

Gordon, who had also been a victim of violence with the assassination of his father, the late Olongapo Mayor James Gordon, has earlier proposed to call in the police and take them to task for the unsolved killings in the country.

News Latest News Feed