Palace vows swift probe of Mandaluyong official’s killing

Malacañang on Sunday assured Mandaluyong City officials of a speedy investigation into the killing of a political adviser of the city government. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III expects Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo to get to the bottom of the killing of Jun Torres last Friday night. “Maaasahan ang tulong ng Pangulo (Expect the President’s help on this). The President is committed to the protection of human rights," Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio. He said since the killing is considered a local government issue for now, the Palace may ask Robredo “to take a look at this and investigate the matter as promptly as possible." “We do not countenance killings of any sort. I’m sure the government will be on top of it. Sec. Robredo will take charge and order an investigation," Lacierda said. An unidentified motorcycle-riding man shot dead Torres, the city’s chief political adviser, in an ambush Friday night. He was on board a gray Toyota Fortuner when he was ambushed at Barangka Drive at Barangka village. He was shot in the head. Torres was rushed to the Mandaluyong City General Hospital, then to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police are now looking for at least three men who took part in the ambush, including the gunman described as wearing a light-brown polo shirt. Witnesses said at least other two other men acted as lookouts. - KBK, GMA News