CHR probes possible police abuse in strip search of drug suspects

MANILA - The Commission on Human Rights said it formed a team to investigate the alleged abuses of Makati City police officers who were caught on video laughing while drug suspects were subjected to a strip search.

“CHR has dispatched a Quick Response Team to investigate the incident. We will continue to be vigilant against abuses that affront the human dignity, especially of the vulnerable and marginalized,” Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana said in a statement.

Gana said the incident was alarming, given that a law against torture has already been passed.

“We urge the PNP to open a transparent investigation on the case, where perpetrators will be accountable beyond mere suspension from their duty for possibly violating RA 9745, Section 4 on acts of torture,” Gana said.

In video clips given to ABS-CBN News by a former anti-drug operative, drug suspects underwent a strip search inside Makati City police station, with male and female police officers smiling.

It reportedly took place inside the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Makati City police station around March 2017. Four police officers, including the DEU chief, appeared to be laughing during the procedure.

Makati City police chief Senior Supt. Rogelio Simon said an investigation was underway.

 09:45 AM

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Nilagare ni Andres Garcia ang rehas ng bintana ng banyo sa kaniyang selda para makatakas. Larawan mula sa Bureau of Immigration.

DAVAO CITY - Pinaghahanap ngayon ng awtoridad ang 64-anyos na Spanish national matapos na makatakas sa selda ng immigration office sa lungsod na ito noong Hunyo.

Nilagare ni Andres Garcia ang rehas sa bintana ng banyo ng selda sa ikatlong palapag at tumakas sa fire exit ladder, ayon kay Alien Control Officer Joseph Quizon.

Ayon sa mga kasamang detainee ni Garcia na nasa katabing selda, nakarinig sila ng malakas na paglagapak madaling araw noong Hunyo 12, pero hindi nila pinansin ito sa pag-aakalang nagwala lang ang banyaga.

May kasamang senior citizen si Garcia sa selda pero hindi niya narinig ang ginawang paglagare sa rehas na bakal dahil mahina na ang pandinig nito.

Una nang inireklamo ng pananampal sa Talaingod, Davao del Norte si Garcia.

Sa pagberipika ng BI, napag-alamang Nobyembre 2017 pa inilabas ang order of deportation nito dahil undocumented at overstaying na sa bansa.

Patuloy ang koordinasyon ng immigration sa kapulisan para mahanap ang tumakas na banyaga