2 murder suspects allegedly tortured by Navotas cops

Two murder suspects have accused police officers of torture to force them to admit to killing two people in Navotas City earlier this month.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, one of the suspects, alias “Dave,” said the brutal incident happened on November 9.

“Dave” recalled that he was hit with a heavy object, which caused him to lose consciousness.

He later learned that he was still being hurt by the cops.

“Ang sabi po nila, sir, umaarte lang daw po ako nung humandusay po ako sa lapag, tulo nang tulo ‘yung dugo ko,” said “Dave.”

(They thought I was just acting when I fell to the floor, even though I was bleeding.)

The torture is evident in his mugshot as the top of his head was covered with gauze.

The suspect’s lawyer said that his clients were taken out of jail and brought to the office of the Intelligence Section of the Navotas City Police Station, where they were allegedly tortured.

“Pinagpapalo daw sila sa talampakan, tapos tinali ang kanilang kamay at paa, tapos binalutan ng plastic yung kanilang ulo kaya hindi sila makahinga,” said lawyer Cid Andeza.

(They were allegedly beaten on the soles of their feet, then their hands and feet were tied, and then their heads were wrapped in plastic so they couldn't breathe.)

“Madalas ko naririnig ito, ito yung sinusupot. Alam na ng mga tao kung ano ang ibig sabihin sa salitang iyon,” he added.

(I often hear this, this called 'bagging'. People already know what that word means.)

The lawyer believes that the suspects were coerced to force them to sign an extrajudicial confession, or an admission that they were the ones who shot and killed the two victims in Navotas City last November 3.

Andeza has already filed a complaint with the PNP Internal Affairs Service against the eight police officers allegedly involved in the torture.

“To be honest, this is the first time na nakakita ako ng ganitong sitwasyon. Siyempre all of the suspects would claim innocence, pero iba yung nakita ko dito,” he said. 

(To be honest, this is the first time I've seen this kind of situation. Of course, all of the suspects would claim innocence, but what I saw here is different.) 

“Kasi aside from their claim, there is physical evidence to substantiate kung ano ‘yung claim nila.” 

Meanwhile, the PNP Internal Affairs Service  said that they are taking all allegations of abuse seriously and will ensure a thorough investigation.

“We take all allegations of abuse seriously and will ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. The IAS remains committed to upholding accountability and protecting the rights of every person under police custody,” said IAS inspector general Brigido Dulay.

However, the Northern Police District, which has jurisdiction over the Navotas Police, insisted that the two suspects are involved in the killing. It also maintained that their evidence is strong and there’s no reason to relieve the accused police officers from their posts.

The accused cops are expected to face the media on Thursday.

“Di umano sabi nila sasagutin nila yung mga complaints na sinampa sa kanila. sinabi nila as a defense, ito ay harassment doon sa pagkakahuli doon sa dalawang suspects,” said PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño. 

(Allegedly, they said they will answer the complaints filed against them. They stated as a defense, that this is harassment related to the arrest of the two suspects.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News