PNP: Raps filed vs. suspects in death of PWD man in Palawan

Complaints have been filed against two suspects, including a councilor, in the alleged torture resulting in the death of a man with mental disability in Coron, Palawan.

According to a "Balitanghali" report by Emil Sumangil on Friday, the complaint was filed against councilor Paul John Abe and civilian Jules Mayo for alleged violation of the Anti-Torture law, following the death of 23-year-old Carlo Layaog, who was accused of stealing cable wires in Barangay 3 in Coron.

The suspects declined to give their statements to GMA News.

"They are not trying to escape and they will face the allegation against them," said Police Captain Ervin Plando, Chief of Police of Coron, Palawan.

According to Coron, Palawan PNP, Layaog terribly suffered, based on his medico-legal examination.

"The victim had laceration on parietal (head) area... Multiple hematoma on upper and lower extremities, abrasions in upper chest and right wrist, his right wrist seemed to have been sawed [off], and he had traumatic brain injury. He had a head injury coming from a blatant force," Plando said in a mix of Filipino and English.

"To inflict harm on people then take a video and boast on it is not in barangay officials' hands. They will be charged with Grave Abuse of Authority and Physical Injury," said Department of The Interior and Local Government undersecretary Martin Dino in Filipino.

Layaog's relatives also wanted certain Coron PNP personnel to be investigated.

They claimed Layaog was brought to the police station at 7 a.m. but was brought to the hospital already at 4 p.m.

"Ang mga pulis, lalo na ang sa Coron ay haharap sa tungkulin nang maayos (Cops, especially those in Coron will fully cooperate to the incident)" Plando said.

The police said the suspects behind the alleged torture of Layaog may have hidden the evidence used in the attack.

Venus Laderas, mother of Layaog, said her son was mentally challenged.

In a statement, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it has already conducted its investigation into Layaog's case.

"CHR condemns any act that amounts to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, as also suggested in this incident. CHR, as the country's independent national human rights institution, has repeatedly emphasized that any form of torture, may it be inflicting severe mental or physical pain or suffering on somebody else for a specific purpose, is illegal. Freedom from torture is a non-derogable right," said CHR deputy spokesperson, Marc Louis Siapno.

"Apart from our independent probe, we welcome the investigation of the Coron Municipal Police on the case. CHR extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Carlo," the CHR said. —LBG, GMA News