Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada yesterday ordered an in-depth investigation of the human skeletal remains discovered in an abandoned house at the Islamic Center in Quiapo, Manila last week.
“I am counting on MPD (Manila Police District) to do an accurate and in-depth investigation to identify and track down all the people behind these horrible killings,” Estrada said.
Estrada challenged the perpetrators behind the killings to surrender immediately. “This is a serious case, we should not let the perpetrators get away from this. Sumuko na sila habang maaga pa,” he said.
Authorities discovered human skeletons hidden behind a wall in the house on Carlos Palanca St. The bones were found after children complained of foul odor emanating from a room.
MPD Director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said they are now pursuing two “persons of interest.”
“Meron tayong two target personalities who are persons of interest who are being investigated regarding this. Buhay pa. Wala na dito sa Manila, not in the city of Manila but most likely, after the neutralization of former barangay chairman (Faiz) Macabato, they left the area,” Coronel said.
The MPD chief was referring to the anti-illegal drug operation on October 7 last year in which seven drug suspects were killed, including former Barangay 648 Chairman Faiz Macabato.
The MPD has also requested the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory to conduct forensic pathology examinations on the human skeletons. (Cris G. Odronia)