Press Release
February 16, 2013

CHIZ CONDEMNS SHOOTING OF BATAC UNIVERSITY DEAN

Sen. Chiz Escudero condemned in the strongest term the shooting of Mariano Marcos State University College of Law dean Ramon Leaño in the school's parking lot in Batac City last Thursday.

Leaño was shot in the belly but was declared in stable condition at the hospital.

"The shooting of Dean Leaño came on the heels of several other violent crime incidents that is as brazen as these were daring. The incident again puts in the spotlight the effectiveness of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies," he said.

Escudero, chair of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, said he maintains that the spate of crime in the country can be effectively reduced through police visibility.

The dean was shot past 6 p.m. Thursday with witnesses saying that Leaño, also the university's vice president for administration, had just finished his class and was about to board his car when the shooting took place.

Two suspects are now in police custody after they were caught in a PNP checkpoint in Pinili town. Police have yet to establish the motive behind the shooting.

"The frequent incidents of crime have an adverse effect on the public. When we start worrying about our safety and the safety of our loved ones, then we will have a crisis of confidence. That can never be good," he added.

"Nothing must be left for granted, especially when it comes to public safety and security," Escudero said.

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