PNP probing alleged torture of lawyer’s aide killed in Cainta operation

PNP chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the alleged torture of a lawyer’s security aide, who was killed in a police operation in Cainta, Rizal last December 10.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Tuesday they are conducting the investigation after Atty. Glenn Chong claimed the body of his aide Richard Santillan showed signs of torture, citing the autopsy report of the Public Attorneys Office (PAO).

“Well, tinitignan natin iyan. That’s the very reason kung bakit ni-relieve ng RD, PRO (Regional Director, Police Regional Office) Calabarzon ‘yung no less than the provincial director and the chief of [Cainta] police and all those involved sa sinasabing alleged encounter na ‘yun o sa police operation na ‘yun to pave the way for an impartial investigation,” Albayalde told reporters on Tuesday.

(Well, we’re looking at it. That’s the very reason why the RD, PRO Calabarzon has relieved no less than the provincial director and the chief of Cainta police and all those involved in that alleged encounter or police operation to pave the way for an impartial investigation.)

READ: PNP sacks officers in shootout with lawyer’s security aide in Rizal

Albayalde assured the PNP will not overlook irregularities that might have been committed by policemen who carried out the alleged operation.

According to Chong, PAO found 63 wounds on Santillan after conducting autopsy on his remains. Santillan sustained injuries including lacerations and wounds that could have been caused by an ice pick, Chong told DZMM.

Chong likewise said PAO findings also showed Santillan was hit with a hard object on his head, and that about half of his aide’s teeth were knocked out.

Santillan and his female companion were killed in an alleged shootout with police a week ago.

Police said the two were alleged members of “Highway Boys,” an organized crime syndicate engaged in robbery-holdup, arms dealing, and illegal drugs activities. /kga