Ortega slay suspect claims human rights abuse

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the Jan. 24 slaying of Palawan radio commentator/environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega alleged he was a victim of human rights abuse by officers and agents of the Palawan office of the National Bureau of Investigation in connection with the investigation of the killing.

Percival Lecias of Puerto Princesa City through his lawyer Rodolfo John Paul Palattao, said that he was detained at the compound of the Palawan NBI from Jan. 25 to March 2, against his will and through threats and intimidation.

In a statement, Lecias said that while he was at the NBI Palawan, a certain special investigator Cedric Caabay and other NBI personnel, forced him to sign statements implicating other suspects, especially one Arturo “Nonoy” Regalado, in the murder of Ortega. He named the other NBI agents as Roger Susosco and Dundee Santos.

Lecias also said that several members of a group identified with Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, known as the Commando, kept vigil outside the NBI Compound, further increasing the sense of threats directed against him.

The letter, together with a sworn statement detailing the alleged human rights violations, was submitted to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

However, CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales said the complaint/letter has not yet reached her office.

Lecias also recanted numerous portions of his previous affidavit implicating the other suspects, saying that the earlier statement was not done freely and voluntarily, and without the assistance of legal counsel.

Palattao said he will ask the CHR as well as Secretary Leila de Lima of the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. The NBI is an attached agency of the DOJ.

The lawyer said they will request for police protection for Lecias due to threats to his safety.