CHR to PNP: Cooperate in probe of Cebu cops

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has sought the cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its investigation of a viral video showing police officers beating up a drug suspect in Cebu City.

“Denying us access to a blotter goes against the principle of transparency ... it is a public document,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said yesterday.

Eight personnel of the Talamban police station were relieved from their posts and charged with torture, grave threats and serious physical injuries in connection with the incident.

“We hope that this is not a prevalent practice, especially in detention cells or confined spaces, where there are no cameras or witnesses,” De Guia said.

“We remind again the police that respect for human dignity must be observed under any circumstance,” she added.

De Guia said the PNP operations manual provides the procedures to ensure that the rights of suspects and inmates are respected, which must be followed at all times. 

She said the viral video is the latest in the increasing number of incidents of torture and brutality involving police officers.

Meanwhile, the CHR expressed alarm over the killing of human rights investigator Archad Ayao in Cotabato City on Tuesday.

“The growing number of human rights advocates who died in the hands of unidentified gunmen under the Duterte administration is gravely alarming for the commission. It is a testament that violent rhetoric and vilification of human rights concepts are deadly,” De Guia said.

She urged the government to expedite the investigation into attacks against human rights defenders.