Friday, October 20, 2006 Speak out: Plea for detained rallyists By Ruth A. David
I KNOW this letter can cause the ire of policemen in Lapu-Lapu City. But I think truth should be expressed even if it hurts.
Last Sept. 29, thirteen rallyists were detained at the Lapu-lapu City police precinct. Media reported the arrests. Those arrested were also seen on TV.
But the public does not actually know what had happened to the rallyists. (There are now only 12 of them in jail after one was released for being a minor).
I visited the detainees a number of times and was even asked by policemen why I should visit them. I simply told them I want to follow one of the teachings of Christ: that we should visit those who are in prison. “When I was in prison, you visited me.” (Mt. 25:36)
Policemen are treating the prisoners like criminals. Worse, they call them names like, “way batasan, gahi og ulo, mga adik, NPA,” etc. The use of those words shows lack of professionalism or simply abuse of power.
A veteran policeman told me that the abusive cops are part of the troops sent here for the Asean summit and are not from Cebu. They are fresh from traing.
Worse, they brag that because of them crimes in Cebu have been solved. We all know they are lying because killings and robberies have not abated.
These policemen are heartless knowing that they are not from Cebu. However, I would say that there are still good policemen in Lapu-lapu City. But if one rotten banana is mixed with the good, the other bananas will also become rotten.
Back to the rallyists. They are being detained in a cell unfit for human beings. They are not given food for lack of budget. Worse, those who bring in food from outside are not allowed to give them to the prisoners.
I am asking those in the Commission on Human Rights to do something about this. And those responsible for their detention should examine their conscience.
If it is not too much, I would suggest to the Ombudsman to examine the records of those responsible for the detention of the 12 rallyists.
