Duterte urged: ‘Categorically condemn’ killings of gov’t officials

Mara Cepeda

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Duterte urged: ‘Categorically condemn’ killings of gov’t officials
'They both performed well in their jobs and inspired others to do the same. Is this how we recognize their value to government?' asks Minority Leader Danilo Suarez following the deaths of BOC's Arturo Lachica and BIR's Jonas Amora

MANILA, Philippines – Saying that the 2 officials shot dead recently in Metro Manila were good public servants, the House minority bloc on Wednesday, November 23, urged President Rodrigo Duterte to “categorically condemn” violence against all government officials.

Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez, the minority bloc’s leader, was referring to the deaths of Customs Deputy Commissioner Arturo “Art” Lachica and Internal Revenue regional director Jonas Amora in a span of 4 days.

“The minority will be filing a resolution for the investigation of the deaths of these high-ranking finance officials, and the possible relation of these tragic events to the performance of their duties,” Suarez told a press conference.

Suarez described Lachica and Amora as “notable, good” public servants “with untainted and distinguished reputation and without known enemies.” 

“Amora was known for efficient revenue collection while Lachica was known for fighting smugglers and importation rules violators. They both performed well in their jobs and inspired others to do the same,” said Suarez. 

“Is this how we recognize their value to government? Is this how we reward public officers who maintain their integrity in the notoriously corrupt agencies?” asked the lawmaker.  

On November 17, Lachica was killed in an ambush along España Boulevard in Manila. (READ: Who is Customs deputy commissioner Art Lachica?)

Just 4 days later, unidentified gunmen onboard a motorcycle shot Amora while he was on his way to work with his driver, Angelito Pineda. (READ: Who is BIR regional director Jonas Amora?

“We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of BOC Deputy Chief Arturo Lachica and BIR Region 8 Makati City Director Jonas Amora,” said Suarez.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III already asked for a probe into the deaths of the BIR and BOC officials, raising the possibility that the incidents may be linked to Duterte’s campaign against corruption

The DOF has announced monetary rewards, funded by a private individual, for any leads behind the killings. – Rappler.com

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Mara Cepeda

Mara Cepeda specializes in stories about politics and local governance. She covers the Office of the Vice President, the Senate, and the Philippine opposition. She is a 2021 fellow of the Asia Journalism Fellowship and the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship of the UN. Got tips? Email her at mara.cepeda@rappler.com or tweet @maracepeda.