The NBI headquarters in Manila. (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Nine agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are facing complaints of sexual assault, torture, grave coercion, and planting evidence.
Joyce Manio, the mother of two suspects in the disappearance of online cockfighting operators, filed the complaints on Monday at the Office of the Ombudsman.
Her sons — Nicasio Manio and Nicholes Manio — were arrested on June 8, 2021, in their house in Pallocan, Batangas, as suspects in the cockfighting operators’ case.
The respondents are all members of the NBI Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (TFAID), namely: Ross Jonathan Galicia, Levi Omare Orille, Aubren Cosidon, Eigelbert Pulan, Abner Dotimas, Nestor Gutierrez, Allan Ernesto Elefante, and Gary Menez.
In her complaint, the mother said her sons were arrested without warrants of arrest.
She also accused the agents of beating up her sons and presenting them with illegal drugs and paraphernalia that were supposedly confiscated from their house, before forcing them to sign documents without explaining their details.
She also accused Galacia, the TFAID chief, of sexually abusing both her sons after getting them drunk.
“I want to hold accountable the disciples of NBI-TFAID who abused my children, hurt them, put evidence that will be used against them, made them drink intoxicating drinks to be exploited and molested by their Chief himself while his men were watching over them, making them commit crimes that they didn’t even know about and to use it against my children,” Manio said in Filipino in her complaint.
“All of them should also be removed from service as soon as possible so that they could do no harm to others. They should also have their licenses as lawyers or accountants revoked”
Manio also doubted if the case against her sons would get a fair investigation under Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“He’s the one who will sign recommendations that will be submitted by the investigating state prosecutor of DOJ, which he heads. How can we be sure that he will not influence the pending case against my children? How can we trust the recommendations that will be made by his subordinates who will investigate the case against my sons?” Manio said.
The 9 NBI agents also face administrative charges — such as serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service— or violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.
As of posting time, the NBI has not replied to a request by INQUIRER.net to comment on the case.