This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 000587 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT FOR EAP/PMBS, INR/EAP, DRL/CRA 
NSC FOR GREEN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2015 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINS PINR SNAR RP
SUBJECT: POLICE ACTIVELY INVESTIGATING STRING OF 
EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS IN CEBU 
 
REF: A. MANILA 312 
     ¶B. MANILA 129 
 
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Joseph L. Novak for 
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
¶1.  (C) Summary:  Cebu city remains abuzz about a recent 
string of extrajudicial killings that has taken upwards of 25 
lives.  Philippine National Police (PNP) officials confirmed 
that PNP is actively investigating the slayings, which have 
divided the city, with the Cardinal and some key local 
politicians condemning Cebu Mayor Tommy Osmena, seen as the 
political force behind the violence.  Other observers believe 
that Osmena has gained popularity through his "Dirty 
Harry"-like remarks indicating support for the killings.  Dep 
Polcouns reiterated strong U.S. concerns.  But PNP's active 
investigation of the situation is positive, and sends a 
strong signal that the national government is watching Cebu 
-- the second largest city in the Philippines and a key 
economic entrepot -- very closely.  End Summary. 
 
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PNP Investigating Killings 
-------------------------- 
 
¶2.  (C/NF) Dep Polcouns and senior pol FSN visited Cebu (in 
the central Philippines) February 3-4.  The city was abuzz 
with discussion of a string of extrajudicial killings that 
has taken upwards of 25 lives of alleged criminals in the 
last two months (reftels).  Dep Polcouns met with General 
Florencio Gador, the PNP's Regional Chief based in Cebu, to 
express concern over the situation and ask about the GRP's 
steps to end the killings.  Gador confirmed that the PNP is 
actively investigating the cases.  He confirmed that he 
arrived in Cebu in early January with explicit instructions 
from PNP Chief Edgardo Aglipay to get to the bottom of the 
violence. 
¶3.  (C/NF) Gador admitted that he was facing a "wall of 
silence" in discussing the situation with the local Cebu 
police and with Mayor Tommy Osmena, who has made public 
comments seeming to favor vigilante-style activities. 
Although PNP has so far made no arrests, Gador expressed 
confidence that his team would be able "to break the case 
open" through further efforts.  He cited evidence collected 
by his team that potentially incriminated local government 
officials, police (specifically a group of policemen recently 
formed into what is called the "Hunter's team"), and others 
in planning the killings during "secret" meetings dating back 
to late last year.  Gador would not confirm what he meant by 
"local government officials," but he indicated that Mayor 
Osmena, among others, quite possibly could be involved. 
Gador said he would continue to report regularly on his 
investigation to PNP headquarters in Manila. 
 
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A Divided City 
-------------- 
 
¶4.  (C) The killings appear to have divided Cebu.  Cardinal 
Ricardo Vidal has publicly condemned the attacks on several 
recent occasions, including in the homily of a high-profile 
mass held during Cebu's annual fiesta in mid-January. 
Cardinal Vidal told Dep Polcouns that "the taking of lives -- 
even of those accused of crimes -- was wrong and reinforced a 
culture of death."  Vidal said that he did not know whether 
or not Osmena was involved, but it was important that the 
mayor "disassociate the city and its government from this 
black mark."  Dep Polcouns noted USG human rights concerns 
over the situation and expressed appreciation for the 
Cardinal's strong stance. 
 
¶5.  (C) Other politicians have also expressed concern over 
the killings.  Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, a longtime 
political opponent of Mayor Osmena, told Dep Polcouns 
emphasized that "what was going on was wrong and must be 
stopped."  She noted that she had no legal authority to act 
within Cebu city limits (she governs areas outside of the 
city), but added that she had advised Osmena "to clean up the 
situation."  Vice Mayor Michael Rama said separately that 
"Cebu has never had such violence" and that he was 
"embarrassed for the city, which was losing its good name 
domestically and internationally."  Rama claimed that he had 
urged Osmena during a personal conversation to take action to 
halt the killings.  According to Rama, Osmena would not agree 
to do so and would not condemn what had happened, but he did 
not admit responsibility. 
 
--------------------------- 
Public Support for Killings 
--------------------------- 
 
¶6.  (C/NF) Many observers believe that Osmena has actually 
gained popularity through his "Dirty Harry"-like remarks 
indicating support for the killings.  Many in the business 
community apparently support the killings, believing that the 
city faces rising crime and citing the need for firm action 
against it.  (Note:  PNP General Gador confirmed that Cebu's 
crime rate had risen in recent years, but only slightly. end 
note)  According to Democrito Mendoza, a local labor leader, 
"Osmena has certainly gained widespread public support. 
That's what this is all about." 
 
¶7.  (C) When queried about Mayor Tommy Osmena and the reasons 
for his apparent involvement in the killings, observers 
speculated that Osmena apparently feared that his family's 
popularity might be ebbing and felt the need to take decisive 
steps to regain its political position.  (Note:  Osmena is a 
member of a well-known clan founded by Sergio Osmena Sr., 
Philippine president in the 1940's.  While Tommy won 
re-election as mayor last year, his uncle John lost his bid 
for re-election as senator, and his cousin John Gregory lost 
his bid to be elected governor to Garcia. end note) 
Observers commented that Osmena is taking a cue from Davao, 
where Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has for years publicly 
underscored his support for extrajudicial killings and racked 
up big electoral victories, despite repeated condemnations 
from local and international human rights groups. 
 
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Comment 
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¶8.  (C) Dep Polcouns reiterated strong U.S. concerns about 
the killings during his meetings.  Mayor Osmena was not in 
Cebu during the visit, but other officials no doubt will 
brief him on USG interest in the situation.  PNP's active 
investigation of the situation is positive, and sends a 
strong signal that the national government is watching and 
not averting its eyes on Cebu, the second largest city in the 
Philippines and a key economic entrepot.  General Gador was 
impressive in his commitment to ending the killings and 
arresting those responsible.  However, the PNP has in the 
past often lost focus and momentum in its investigations 
after making big initial public relations splashes.  Mission 
will continue to press the GRP on this important rule-of-law 
and human rights issue in Cebu, Davao, and nationwide. 
 
 
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