CIDG defends filing of complaints vs Barzaga: ‘Nothing personal’
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) defended on Thursday its filing of criminal cases against Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, saying it had “nothing personal” against the lawmaker who has been critical of the government, military and even the Philippine Coast Guard in his social media posts.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II confirmed that Barzaga was among the 97 respondents charged before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office over the violent incidents that broke out after the Sept. 21 anticorruption rally in Manila.
The CIDG official previously announced that they had charged the 97 with conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, sedition and inciting to sedition.
Groups of rioters clad in black and wearing ski masks destroyed public and private property and clashed with police officers in Mendiola and Recto after the Sept. 21 rally at Rizal Park. Two people were killed, dozens of police officers were injured, while more than 200 individuals, including about 90 minors, were arrested in the violence that ensued.
“Let me just emphasize that this is nothing personal. There was a crime committed—it was a violent one. There were police officers that were injured and government properties were destroyed in the city of Manila,” Morico told reporters in a chance interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“Those are paid [for] by the taxes of the people,” he added.
Another case
He said the CIDG also referred another complaint involving Barzaga to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Prosecution Service over the Oct. 12 rally he led in Forbes Park, Makati City, although the police official declined to disclose further details.
Morico said the CIDG is committed to investigating any alleged crime, adding that “whether you are a politician, a farmer, or a laborer, the CIDG will take action because the rule of law must be implemented.”
According to him, their investigators looked beyond those who were physically present at the Sept. 21 protest, including potential instigators and financiers.
He did not say, however, if Barzaga was being investigated as a possible instigator or financier.
Lawful exercise of right
At the same time, Morico reiterated that their actions were in line with their mandate.
“The CIDG is not into curtailing freedom of expression,” Morico said. “But we must exercise this right in accordance with the rule of law.” he stressed.
