CHR to probe distribution of EJK 'waivers' in Caloocan

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will conduct an investigation on the waivers being circulated in which relatives of alleged victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) state that they are are no longer interested in the probe conducted by the police.

According to a State of the Nation with Jessica Soho report by Mariz Umali on Tuesday, the said is in the form of "fill in the blanks" in which the relative of a deceased person provide the needed information.

Also included in the form is a statement that the grieving family will "leave the fate of the case to God."

On the upper part of the form, are the words "Lungsod ng Kalookan."

A source of GMA News disclosed that the waivers have been distributed in Caloocan City.

The CHR reminded relatives of the victims of alleged EJKs to remain vigilant and not just sign waivers.

"Diumano, ang naturang waiver ay ipinapakalat ng mga kalalakihang nakasibilyan. Nais naming paalalahanan ang publiko, lalo na ang pamilya ng EJK victims na maging mapanuri at huwag basta lumagda ng anumang waiver," the CHR said.

"I-report agad sa pinakamalapit na tanggapan ng CHR ang ganitong insidente," the CHR added.

The Caloocan City police, meanwhile, denied that the waivers came from their camp.

"Definitely di namin gagawin 'yun, inaayos namin 'yung mga case folders namin so why should we do that? Gusto nga namin mai-file 'yung case kung ano man motibo niyo sa ginagawang pagpapakalat ng form, hindi niyo mapipigilan 'yung aming investigating team para gawin 'yung trabaho nila," said Senior Superintendent Restituto Arcangel, chief of Caloocan police.

For his part, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the distribution of the waivers could be a way to make EJKs controversial.

"Probably gawa gawa ito to discredit 'yung mga ano or get controversial na naman 'yung alleged mga EJK. Wala po tayo ginagawang ganyan," Albayalde said.

He explained that if a family would choose not to push through with a certain case, they should file an affidavit of desistance.

Albayalde said that cops who would be caught distributing this form may face charges.

"Grave misconduct, you can be probably given suspension and depende sa gravity ng offense mo. It can always go up to dismissal," he said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News