Murder case suspects file coercion charges against eight Navotas cops; they were allegedly tortured

· Two men arrested for a double murder in Navotas have filed a serious complaint accusing eight police officers of torture

· The suspects allege they were physically beaten, restrained, and had plastic bags wrapped over their heads in custody

· The torture was allegedly performed to force the detainees to sign an extrajudicial confession admitting to the killings

· The PNP Internal Affairs Service is investigating, but the local police district maintains the evidence against the suspects is strong

A grave accusation of police brutality has been leveled against eight officers from the Navotas City Police Station, who are being investigated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Internal Affairs Service (IAS) for allegedly torturing two murder suspects in an attempt to coerce them into confessing to a crime.

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The two detainees, who are suspects in a double murder case that occurred in Navotas City on November 3, claim the abuse took place on November 9 while they were in police custody.

One of the suspects, identified by the alias "Dave," recounted a harrowing experience where he was subjected to extreme physical violence.

Dave described being struck with a heavy object until he lost consciousness. Even after collapsing, he claims the abuse continued.

“Ang sabi po nila, sir, umaarte lang daw po ako nung humandusay po ako sa lapag, tulo nang tulo ‘yung dugo ko,” Dave stated, recalling the officers’ apparent disregard for his injuries.

The severity of the assault is visibly corroborated by his mugshot, which shows the top of his head covered in gauze.

The suspects’ lawyer, Atty. Cid Andeza, detailed the brutal methods allegedly used by the officers.

According to the lawyer, his clients were removed from their detention cell and taken to the office of the Intelligence Section of the Navotas City Police Station specifically for the alleged torture sessions.

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“Pinagpapalo daw sila sa talampakan, tapos tinali ang kanilang kamay at paa, tapos binalutan ng plastic yung kanilang ulo kaya hindi sila makahinga,” Atty. Andeza revealed.

He referred to the latter technique as "sinusupot" (bagging), a practice notorious for being used to elicit involuntary confessions.

The lawyer believes the purpose of this extreme violence was to force the suspects to sign an extrajudicial confession, admitting to the twin killings.

Atty. Andeza, visibly disturbed by the evidence, stated that while it is common for suspects to claim innocence, the situation here was different. “To be honest, this is the first time na nakakita ako ng ganitong sitwasyon. Siyempre all of the suspects would claim innocence, pero iba yung nakita ko dito.”

A formal complaint has been filed by Atty. Andeza with the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) against the eight police officers.

IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay publicly assured that the agency is taking the allegations seriously and is committed to conducting a "thorough and impartial investigation."

However, the Northern Police District (NPD), which supervises the Navotas Police, has staunchly defended the accused officers.

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The NPD asserted that the evidence against the two suspects in the murder case is strong and that there is no valid reason to relieve the accused officers from their posts.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño noted that the accused officers plan to face the media to address the charges, claiming that the complaint is merely "harassment" related to the successful apprehension of the murder suspects.

The confrontation sets the stage for a tense legal battle, pitting the suspects' grave claims of human rights violations against the police unit's insistence on their guilt.

In other news, an armed male assailant took a parent and their two minor children captive inside their residence in Tiaong, Quezon. Negotiators secured the safe release of the family by permitting the abductor to flee on a public tricycle. Law enforcement officers executed a calculated move, using a vehicle to intercept the fleeing tricycle and arrest the suspect. The three victims were recovered unharmed, and investigators are working to uncover the perpetrator's reason for the violent act.

Meanwhile, a regulatory operation against unauthorized public vehicles by the MMDA in Muntinlupa escalated into a violent encounter involving gunfire. Both the traffic regulatory agent and the apprehended van operator suffered non-fatal bullet injuries to the lower body and are currently hospitalized. The conflict began when the driver reportedly produced a firearm, initiating a physical struggle with the enforcement officer. MMDA leadership, led by Chairman Artes, pledged comprehensive assistance for their injured staff member and confirmed criminal charges against the driver.

Source: KAMI.com.gh