MANILA, Philippines – The Presidential Security Group (PSG) should launch an investigation into the entry to Malacañang of the family of convicted rapist-murderer Antonio Sanchez, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Thursday.
Panelo earlier admitted to meeting with the Sanchez kin twice in his office at the New Administrative Building in the Palace but insisted that he did not know how they managed to come to his office.
“Let the PSG investigate. How were they able to enter without our knowledge?” he said.
“I think that’s a security problem of the PSG, not us. Lax siguro,” he added.
Records in a logbook in Panelo’s office show that the Sanchez family went to Malacañang to meet with the presidential spokesman on February 7 and 26. The family also tried to see Panelo on Feb. 21 but the meeting did not push through because he was out of the office.
Aside from Sanchez kin, Panelo also admitted to meeting with members of the Ampatuan family in Malacañang recently after the latter sought his help as their former legal counsel.
Some members of the Ampatuan family were accused as masterminds of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre. The case is expected to be up for verdict this year.
A copy of an email dated July 17 from the Office of the President showed the family was referred to Panelo’s office after they failed in their initial request to get an audience with President Rodrigo Duterte.
“They are asking the intercession of the President,” he said.
“They are claiming that inosente sila. Oh, sabi ko, ‘Bakit hindi sumurrender?’ Siyempre ayaw daw sumurrender kasi pareho nung mga kapatid nakakulong hanggang ngayon, hindi pa tapos ang trial,” he added. (with details from correspondent, Rosalie Coz) /RRD
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