RETIRED POLICEMAN Arturo B. Lascañas, who claimed that President Rodrigo R. Duterte as mayor of Davao City organized his group as a killing squad, has again asked the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Davao to reinvestigate the case against him on the death of broadcaster Juan P. Pala 14 years ago. The petition was submitted by his lawyer Jude Josue Sabio, the legal counsel of Mr. Lascañas, who remains in hiding after he fled the country in April. RTC Judge Retrina Fuentes issued a decision in July denying the reinvestigation of the case, which was filed by Mr. Pala’s widow, Louise. Ms. Fuentes has imposed a P360,000 bail for Mr. Lascañas as he is facing several charges, including two frustrated murder cases and a murder case for Mr. Pala’s killing. Mr. Lascañas initially claimed that there was no truth to allegations that Mr. Duterte was behind the so-called Davao Death Squad, but later testified before the Senate that the former mayor was the one who ordered the broadcaster’s shooting. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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