Cop in ‘wheel of torture’ flees Phl

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  – One of 10 police officers tagged in the alleged torture of detainees at a jail facility in Biñan town seven months ago has reportedly left the country.

Police Officer 2 Freddie Ramos reportedly managed to escape the Regional Police Holding Units in this camp, and is now reportedly in Canada.

Ramos, along with nine other police officers are facing criminal and administrative charges for the so-called “wheel of torture.”

Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian, Calabarzon police director, said he ordered the chief of the regional investigation unit to investigate the alleged escape of Ramos.

Gatchalian said he denied the request of 10 accused policemen to be released from restrictive custody.

He said some police officers implicated in the “wheel of torture” are recommended for dismissal from the service while others are facing suspension.

Ramos, along with Chief Inspector Arnold Formento, head of the Laguna police intelligence unit, and Senior Police Officer 2 Bernardino Artisen; Senior Police Officers 1 Alexander Asis, Mark Julius Caesar, Mateo Cailo, Renan Galang, Aldwin Tibuc and Melmar Viray, and Police Officer 1 Nelson Caribo have been charged for violation of the anti-torture law, robbery, extortion and illegal detention.