MANILA, June 2 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government is standing by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against allegations of torture made by some suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Friday defended the police force, saying it is expected of such a sensational case.

"I have firm belief in the PNP kasi nga ito kung maalala ninyo (if you can remember), this is a very sensational case. Nung nangyari ito, maraming namatay at mataas ang ating emosyon noon pero nahuli kaagad sila (When this happened, a lot of people died and we have high emotions here but they were immediately captured) at I would like to emphasize at this point, ang nakahuli ay sanib puwers...