CHR raps 4 Cavite cops

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has declared four Cavite policemen liable for human rights violation when they arrested a former newsman without a warrant in February 2009.

In a three-page resolution, the CHR-National Capital Region found Inspector Ronald Estilles Jr. and PO1s Richard Ruba, Paul Santoeli and Arman Francisco liable for deprivation of liberty.

Meanwhile, the case against Cavite prosecutor Ferdinand Palafox, Inspectors Rogelio de Lumen Jr. and Jerome Wangkey, and PO1 Aida Villano was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

The complainant, Ligorio Naval, said the respondents arrested him without a warrant after a certain Eden Lim Cruz tagged him as the one who allegedly raped her.

The policemen reportedly entered Naval’s residence in Bacoor, Cavite without coordinating with barangay officials and securing his permission.

The complainant, however, could not be found in the address in Sta. Mesa, Manila that she gave and was not even known in the place, prompting Cavite Regional Trial Court Judge Eduardo Israel Tanguangco to dismiss the rape case.

In its resolution, the CHR said Naval’s arrest was illegal. “In such a case, there is sufficient basis for one to complain that his rights have been violated and his human dignity has not been respected,” it said.

“In the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect the human dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons,” it added.