CHR to probe Bais City cops’ “abuses”

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – The Commission on Human Rights in Negros Oriental is investigating reports of alleged abuses by policemen assigned in Bais City, about an hour’s drive north of this capital.

CHR special investigator Jess Cañete said his office has received reports that some Bais City police officers have been allegedly maltreating inmates detained at the lock-up cell of the City Police Station.

Cañete said detainees, while being held for various crime offenses, still have rights that the CHR must protect.

He vowed he will launch a full investigation to determine the truth on the matter, disclosing also that another probe is now underway over the alleged abuse against a resident of Bais City, who was reportedly forced to go with some policemen to the police station.

The man, identified as a certain William Cabanag, Jr., has sought the assistance of the CHR after the incident last February 8, said Cañete, adding that the complainant stated in his affidavit that, while he was walking to buy some cigarrettes, the policemen accosted and took him to the station for no apparent reason.

One of the policemen was identified as a certain Orapa, Cañete said, adding that the police chief of Bais City allegedly knew these incidents.  (FREEMAN)