Bulacan Massacre Should Not Be Used as Reason to Restore Death Penalty, Sen Risa Hontiveros Insists

The recent Bulacan massacre has made the public wondering how someone can brutally kill five people, including three children ages 1, 5 and 11. Apparently, the incident again triggered the issue of restoring death penalty, which President Rodrigo Duterte is supporting. However, Senator Risa Hontiveros reiterated that she is not favor of the idea.



When presented to the media, prime suspect Carmelino "Miling" Ibañes admitted the crime, saying that and 4 others drank and took shabu on the night before they killed the victims. But in his sworn affidavit, he now said he remembered killing only one of the victims. He also denied raping the two women (Aurora and daughter Estrella) after killing them.

Another suspect identified as alias Tony was also arrested, while 'persons of interest' Ronaldo Pacinos, alias Inggo and Roosevelt Turima alias Ponga were killed, Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. As of posting, the fifth suspect, Alvin Mabesa is still missing. President Duterte visited the wake of the victims, who are laid to rest this Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Sen.Hontiveros said that the bloody massacre should not be used as reason to restore death penalty. In an ambush interview this Thursday, she said she is condemning the act, and that she also shares the same anger that every Filipino feels. However, the Liberal Party (LP) inclined senator urged the public to remain vigilant and open-minded.

“Gaya nyo, galit din ako sa nangyari. Ganunpaman, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang pananaw ko sa death penalty. Una, maraming kaduda duda sa resulta ng imbestigasyon, gaya ng pagiging negative ng suspect (Ibañes) sa drug test. Siya ba talaga ang pumatay o may pumilit lang sa kanya na umamin para lang masabi na lutas na agad ang kaso.” She said.



“Ikalawa, pinakawalan ng mga pulis yung dalawa dahil daw walang sapat na ebidensiya. Pero bakit sila natagpuang patay? Tapos ngayon, yung natitirang 'person of interest' ay nawawala na rin. Pero higit na mahalagang tanong, hindi na ba mauulit ang ganitong krimen pag pinatupad uli natin ang death penalty.” Sen Risa Hontiveros added.

Contributed by Karenina Saulo