CHR launches ‘motu proprio’ probe on 3 lawyers’ arrest during Makati bar search

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Saturday it has launched "motu proprio" its own investigation on the arrest of three lawyers for alleged obstruction of justice by police officers during a search of a popular bar in Makati.

"Nagsasagawa na ng imbestigasyon ang CHR. Motu propio ang isinasagawa naming imbestigasyon kahapon," CHR spokesperson Jaqueline De Guia said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

A motu proprio investigation is one undertaken without any formal request from other parties.

Lawyers Leni Rocel Rocha, Jan Vincent Sambrano, and Romulo Bernard Alarkon were arrested at the Time in Manila bar on Thursday afternoon for "obstruction of justice" and for "intimidating" cops implementing a search warrant, according to the Southern Police District.

De Guia said the CHR quickly deployed a quick response team upon learning of the arrest of the three lawyers.

"Lubos kaming nabahala sa impormasyon kaya agad naming dinispatch ang aming quick response team," she said.

While De Guia cannot yet conclude if the police violated the rights of the lawyers to due process pending the results of investigation, she said the incident sends a "chilling effect" to society.

"Kung nagagawa ito sa mga abugado ay magagawa din ito sa ordinaryong mamamayan," she said.

"The Commission is deeply alarmed by the arrest of the three lawyers who were only fulfilling their obligation as counsels of their client which is a constitutional right of every Filipino to be represented by a counsel of his/her own choice," De Guia said in a separate statement.

"It shows an utter disrespect not only of the law profession but also of constitutionally enshrined rights. It emboldens other law enforcement agencies and puts at risk ordinary Filipino citizens."

In defense of the Makati police, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Police Director Guillermo Eleazar said the three lawyers refused to identify themselves and respond to police's query while authorities were conducting the search.

"The Commission for its part, shall continue to pursue its investigation on the matter," she said. — Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News