CHR: PNP must cooperate in probe of Cebu cops in mauling case

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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is asking the cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) concerning the investigation against several policemen seen in a viral video mauling a drug suspect in Cebu.

“As we are investigating this case, we are requesting once more the cooperation of the PNP. Denying us access to blotter goes against the principle of transparency for it is a public document,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Friday.

The CHR was referring to an April 18, 2019 CCTV footage of drug suspect Eddie Basillote allegedly being mauled by police operatives during a drug operation in Barangay Talamban.

READ: Cebu cops tagged in mauling video relieved from anti-drug ops

With this, CHR urged that those involved in the incident must face “full force of law and preventive measures” to ensure that there would be no repetition of such police abuse and torture.

The PNP must be mindful of its police operation procedure to secure the rights of suspects and detainees during police operations, CHR said.

“We remind again the police that respect for human dignity must be observed under any circumstance.  The PNP operations manual provides the procedures that ensure that rights of suspects as well as detainees are respected and these must be followed at all times,” de Guia said. /jpv