‘Bara-bara:’ Diokno tells Dacera case probers to gather evidence first, charges should come later

MANILA, Philippines — Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno on Wednesday called on the nation’s police force to focus on gathering evidence before filing provisional complaints to ensure that the cause of death of flight attendant Christine Dacera’s is based on facts.

“How can the PNP [Philippine National Police] consider this case ‘solved’ when the cause of death is not clear, and the evidence is still being gathered? Bakit nauna ang conclusion bago ang facts? (Why did the conclusion come first before the facts),” said Diokno on Twitter, reacting to the PNP’s declaration that Dacera’s case was closed because “suspects” were already identified.

“To find out the truth, PNP should focus on doing their job of gathering evidence. Charges should come later when the PNP has done all it can to find out exactly what happened. Sa nakikita ko, parang bara-bara ang pag-iimbestiga ng PNP. (From what I am seeing, PNP’s investigation has been rushed.),” the human rights advocate added.

Andami pa pwede pag-usapan, pero ngayon wala akong ibang maisip kundi kung gano ito kasakit lalo na sa pamilya ni Christine. Kaya dapat nag-imbestiga munang maigi ang PNP bago magpa-press release. At dapat magkaroon tayo ng justice system na talagang maaasahan ng mga Pilipino.

— Chel Diokno (@ChelDiokno) January 6, 2021

Diokno also underscored that a reliable justice system is needed in the country.

“Andami pa pwede pag-usapan, pero ngayon wala akong ibang maisip kundi kung gano ito kasakit lalo na sa pamilya ni Christine. Kaya dapat nag-imbestiga munang maigi ang PNP bago magpa-press release. At dapat magkaroon tayo ng justice system na talagang maaasahan ng mga Pilipino,” he said.

(There is still more to discuss, but I am concerned over Christine’s family. That’s why the PNP should investigate clearly before releasing a press statement. And that we need a trustworthy justice system for Filipinos.)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) also had questioned how the PNP considered Dacera’s case as solved, stressing that all perpetrators need to be held to account. It said it would conduct its own investigation to “inquire about the nature of death and ensure justice for the victim.”

The rights body said the police have only three out of 11 suspects detained while medical findings on Dacera has yet to be released.

Dacera died at the hospital shortly after being found unconscious in a hotel in Makati where she spent New Year’s Eve with more than 10 companions. [ac]