Laguna cop demoted over ‘wheel of torture’

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines– The former chief of Laguna police intelligence unit was meted a one-rank demotion while five of his men were dismissed from service and four others were suspended in connection with a “wheel of torture” scandal eight months ago in Biñan City.

Chief Inspector Arnold Formento was demoted to senior inspector, said Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian, Calabarzon police director.

Gatchalian approved on Friday night Formento’s demotion and the dismissal and suspension of 10 police officers.

The suspension period against the five officers will depend on the gravity of their offenses.

He said the resolution, made by Superintendent Edwin Wagan, was studied and reviewed by the regional legal services, led by Senior Superintendent Archie Gamboa.

Calabarzon police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Florendo Saligao said copies of the decision will be given to the police officers.

“The dismissed officers can appeal the decision before the National Police Commission,” Saligao said.   

The charges against the 10 lawmen stemmed from the alleged torture of detainees at a jail facility in Biñan City.

The administrative charges were filed with the regional investigation office while a criminal offense for violation of the anti-torture law, robbery, extortion and illegal detention were filed before a Biñan court by the Commission of Human Rights (CHR).

Saligao said the hearing for the criminal cases against the respondents is ongoing.

One of the police officers was reported to have escaped custody and has left the country. Reports said Police Officer 2 Freddie Ramos is now in Canada.

After Ramos’ escape, the 10 police officers were transferred from the custody of the regional mobile group in Camp Vicente Lim to the Laguna provincial police command.

Another officer, Senior Police Officer 1 Mateo Cailo, is being held at a local jail after he was involved in a shooting incident two months ago.

Meanwhile, a CHR official said of the 24 complainants, four have reportedly withdrawn their complaints and opted for an amicable settlement.

Aside from Formento, the other accused are 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.