Manila cop says use of shackles justified under PNP rules

One of the police officers responsible for the use of chains and padlocks to restrain four Manila Police District inmates during their transfer on Tuesday cited security reasons for the decision to use the shackles

In a report from GMA's “24 Oras” on Wednesday, SP04 Roberto Quillope said they were just exercising caution as the individuals were involved in such crimes as murder and human trafficking.

“Based on my experience marami na nakulong diyan puro heinous crimes, yan ang mga iniiwasan ko 'yung mga manga agaw, o maagaw [ng baril], o kaya kami naman ang gamitin para makuha nila 'yung mga kriminal,” Quillope said.

Quillope said that the move was allowed under the PNP's rules if the persons involved were considered dangerous.

Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana said the police still showed consideration for the inmates.

“Pag sa likod kasi siyempre [ang restraining object] mas masakit yun at mas immobilized 'yung mga tao at mahihirapan yan lalo na sa pag sakay sa sasakyan,” he said.

Nana said Quillope and Inspector Danilo Soriano were relieved from their posts and would undergo investigation due to the incident.



Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales said the MPD's decision to relieve their officers was welcome but added the CHR would still conduct their own investigation.

“I dont think it follows 'yung kanilang katwiran na iyon. Bagkos ito this is inhumane and this is cruel. Ito lamang tignan mo 'yung itsura nila, it's very inhumane,” Rosales said.

“At saka obviously it's outside the fact an this is undignified. Kahit preso ka dapat igalang ang iyong dangal,” she continued.

On Tuesday, a photo of four MPD inmates who were chained together with padlocks made the rounds on social media after Hataw photographer Bong Son posted it online.

“Pag salubong ko sa kanila magkakadikit sila. Sabi ko ibang klase ito wala namang posas bakit naka kadena tapos naka kandado. Kinunan ko agad naka dalwaang shot nga lang ako kasi mabilis 'yung pangyayari,” Son said. —Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News