CHR probing death after alleged torture of man with disability in Palawan

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday said it was investigating the death of a 23-year-old man with disability in Coron, Palawan who was allegedly tortured by a village watchman and a companion.

CHR deputy spokesperson Marc Louis Siapno said its regional office has begun probing the death of Carlo Layaog.

According to Emil Sumangil’s “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, Layaog was grilled by suspects who accused him of stealing cable wires. Video showed that he was made to issue a warning to his supposed fellow thieves and that the suspects tried to use a handsaw on him. 

After being battered, Layaog was turned over to police who took him to the hospital after noticing that he was already weak. He died a day later due to traumatic injuries.

“CHR condemns any act that amounts to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, as also suggested in this incident,” Siapno said in a statement.

“Freedom from torture is a non-derogable right.”

Siapno added that international treaties and Philippine laws prohibit torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

The CHR also welcomed the Coron Municipal Police’s investigation into the case.

Police earlier said that the suspects in Layaog’s death possibly hid the evidence used in the attack.

“We hope that we can collective address excesses in exercising authority that ultimately results in violations of human rights and dignity,” the CHR said. --Julia Mari Ornedo/KBK, GMA News