11 ‘punks’ tagged in NPA raid file raps vs 6 cops

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Getting back at their alleged "tormentors," 11 punks arrested and charged for allegedly taking part in a New People’s Army (NPA) raid on a military detachment in Mankayan, Benguet last February, filed charges yesterday against six police officers who arrested them.

They claimed that Superintendent Brent Madjako, chief of the 1604th Provincial Mobile Group, Senior Inspector Joseph Bayongasan, SPO1 Alysson Kalang-ad, and PO2s Jonathan Pucya, Wendell Baglao and James Ayan Jr. "violated" their rights.

They claimed that the six police officers failed to inform them of their rights during their arrest and detention.

In last Thursday’s hearing attended by the relatives and supporters of the 11 "punks," human rights lawyers quizzed Baglao and Pucya about the arrest.

The two policemen admitted that the suspects had no counsel when they were arrested.

Meanwhile, Madjako refused to comment on the case filed against them by the 11 suspects.

He insisted though that they have more evidence to prove that the 11 punks, indeed, took part in the Feb. 10 attack on the military detachment in Mankayan town where three soldiers were killed and 23 firearms were carted away.

"The hearing is still ongoing. It is not over yet," he said.

Lawyers of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), who are representing the suspects, said they hope to prove to Judge Agapito Laoagan of Regional Trial Court Branch 62 here that the charges of robbery with homicide filed against the 11 "punks" lack probable cause.