CHR starts probe into death of criminologist

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas-7 has subpoenaed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 for records of its investigation into the death of a criminologist during an anti-drugs operation in Cebu City last week.

The family of the criminologist, Niño Rodel Taboada, has filed a complaint against the PDEA operatives.

CHR-7 Investigation Division head Leo Villarino told reporters they have asked PDEA for a copy of its investigation report.

PDEA has said Taboada, 28, shot it out with operatives in Barangay Duljo Fatima. Taboada was tagged as a drug pusher who allegedly maintained a drug den but his family belied the allegations.

“Assuming that there will be no witness, we will still conduct the investigation,” Villarino said.

He said they have asked the Taboada’s family to have the man’s body undergo an autopsy so the result can be used as evidence.

PDEA-7 information officer Earl Rallos confirmed they received the subpoena from CHR-7 and the same has been referred to the agency’s legal department.

Rallos said as a standard operating procedure, the agency comes up with an investigation, especially in cases when its operation results to death of a party. (FREEMAN)