4 cops face raps at Napolcom for detainees' torture

MANILA, Philippines - Four Manila policemen were charged with grave misconduct before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) yesterday for allegedly pouring hot oil and beating two detainees with sticks.

The complaint was filed by Charito Tiamzon, wife of detainee Gerry Diaz, 38; and Barbie Malig, wife of detainee Romel Perez, 30. They earlier identified Police Officers 1 Lester Guentuan, Richard Closa, Andrei Nuñez and Christopher Duran from a police lineup.

Diaz and Perez were arrested Monday after jeepney passengers who had been robbed at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Pampanga Street in Sta. Cruz sought help from the police.

They were reportedly tortured on Aug. 11 by the four policemen at the Blumentritt police outpost to make them admit to the crime.

Diaz showed burns on his right shoulder and Perez suffered burns on his left ear, face and back.

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District created yesterday a task group that will investigate the allegations. MPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez will head the panel.

Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent James Afalla disarmed the four policemen and ordered their transfer to the MPD’s headquarters support unit pending the result of the investigation.

The Commission on Human Rights is also investigating the incident. – Mike Frialde, Nestor Etolle