Police deny special treatment was given to arrested woman

CEBU, Philippines - Mabolo police station chief, Senior Inspector Peter Hartzel Bellido, has denied giving special treatment to a woman arrested for two counts of theft in Mandaue City.

Bellido said there is no truth to the allegations that accused Marites Gonzales Lampert, 41, of Banilad, Cebu City, was given special treatment after her arrest Sunday because of the warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 58 in Mandaue City.

Lampert was charged with theft for allegedly stealing cash and other items, including taking possession of a house and lot from Daisy Flores. Another theft case was filed by Cecilia Padica.

The accused was released Monday after posting P80,000 bail for two cases of theft. Aside from theft cases, she is also facing another case for usurpation of real rights filed by Daniel Wistehuff III.

Bellido said Lampert was subjected to the normal booking procedures and was padlocked inside the detention cell with the other detainees.

He, however, admitted that the accused was allowed to take her breakfast at a restaurant on their way to the court to post bail. But Bellido said Lampert was escorted by policemen. Bellido also admitted that the accused was not handcuffed when brought to the court.

Regional Investigation and Detection Management chief, Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, said that handcuffing a suspect has become a norm in handling arrested person.

It is done to restrain the suspect from using his or her hands to prevent from escaping. However, Lawas admitted that the arresting officer has the discretion whether or not to use a handcuff depending on the threat assessment.—(FREEMAN)