“License to Kill”

The relative believes that the surrender letter was delivered just moments before the
killing to confirm that Mirano was at home, before mobilizing the gunmen, demonstrating
collusion among the barangay officials, the police, and the “death squad.” The relative
said: “When he received the letter, he signed for receipt and this was the confirmation they
needed that the right person was in the area and then they proceeded with the killing.” 195
The police report on the incident provides a completely different version of events. It states
that police officers in the area were engaged in an anti-drug operation when they saw two
persons “acting suspiciously.” As they approached the two men:
The duo drew their respective firearms and ran. While fleeing they fired
shots on the approaching policemen hitting [police officer] Ryan Mones on
the left leg. Exchange of gunfire ensued resulting in the death of [Virgilio
Mirano] while his unidentified companion managed to elude [capture]. 196
According to the police report, police recovered a .38 caliber revolver with five live rounds
and one fired round from the scene, as well as one packet of shabu. 197
Mirano’s relative disputes the police claim that he even owned a gun, telling Human Rights
Watch, “Virgilio couldn’t even afford to buy food, we had to support him as he lacked a
steady job—how could he have afforded a handgun?” The relative also disputed that there
had been a gunfight, telling Human Rights Watch that Mirano had only gone out to buy
coffee and had been taken from his home and killed by the armed men. 198
195 Ibid.
196 Station Police Blotter Entry No. 1596, September 27, 2016, p. 477 and recorded by duty desk officer, PO3 Antares N. San
Antonio (on file with Human Rights Watch).
197 Ibid.
198 Human Rights Watch interview with relative of Virgilio Mirano, name withheld, Barangay NBBS, October 22, 2016.
LICENSE TO KILL 66