THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) launched its own investigation into the alleged maltreatment of a 16-year-old minor in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental by three police officers by pouring a solution of vinegar and chili on the minor's genitals.
In a report from SuperBalita Davao, the minor went to a police station to report the physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
Instead of getting the help he needed, the three officers on duty allegedly took the victim into a dark room, poured a solution of vinegar and chili on his private area, and reportedly threatened the victim to keep silent about the incident.
“Gisulod ko nila sa kuwarto, gipalong ang suga, gisilihan nila akong kinatawo di pa daw ko nila paulion kay dugangan pa daw nila ana ko ayaw na kay sakit na kaayo gipagawas ko nila niadto ko sa bomba (tubigan), nanghugas ko didtoa kay hapdos na kaayo (They put me in the room then they turned off the light. Afterwards, they poured vinegar with chili to my genitals. They [the police] said they would not let me go home because they said they would pour more solutions to me. I was already begging them to stop because I was in so much pain. They, then took me out, I went to the water pump, where I washed my genitals, which was very painful),” the victim said in a report from GMA's One Mindanao.
The minor said the police warned him from saying anything regarding the incident.
CHR said their office "expresses grave concern" on the reported alleged "police abuse and cruelty."
"As duty-bearers who must ‘serve and protect’ the people, including vulnerable individuals, such as minors and service workers, it is expected that police officers exercise their authority in accordance with the rules and standards required of public officers. Respecting the rights and dignity of individuals is a basic requirement in the conduct of their duty," the Commission said in a statement.
Don Marcelino Police Chief Captain Arvin Ongcay said they will file charges against the police responsible for the abuse.
“Gisubay nato ning tanan ba nga pulis ang nagbuhat, kung tinuod, atong tumbukon kung kinsa nga pulis aron pasakahan nato og kaso kay naa pa ta sa pagsubay kung tinuod ba (We are tracking down the police responsible for the abuse. If proven true, then we will be filing charges. But they will be given proper investigation),” Ongcay said.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, the police said the accused police denied the minor's accusation.
"Sabi din daw na-trigger din daw yata ang police kasi, sa harapan daw nila, sinabihan sila ng bata na 'patayin kita!' Pero hindi natin ito tino-tolerate (According to the accused police, they were triggered when the minor threatened by showing “I will kill you!” in front of them. But we don’t tolerate this action)," he said.
The victim, who was interviewed by a news magazine show, denied the police's claims.
Lenel Ong, Don Marcelino Municipal Social Welfare and Development officer, who is currently handling the minor's psychological intervention, said that the three police were relieved.
Ongcay said the accused police are currently under the custody of the Davao Occidental Provincial Police Office while the investigation is ongoing.
SunStar Davao has reached out to the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) for their side on the matter, but they have not responded as of writing.
However, based on CHR's statement, they "[welcome] the action" of the regional police "to file criminal and administrative charges against the three police officers."
Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, another case of alleged police abuse was reported when a waiter lost his life while being escorted by three officers from the Zamboanga City police.
Prior to the incident, the waiter engaged in a heated argument that escalated into a fistfight with a retired police major at a local bar.
The waiter reportedly refused to serve beer to the retired police major, who had been warned against drinking alcohol since he was a stroke survivor, as advised by his fellow retired officer and his son.
With the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture approaching on June 26, 2023, the commission highlighted the need to address allegations of police abuse and torture with utmost seriousness.
"In accordance with the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, we continue to firmly remind that no circumstance or context can justify police brutality and/or abuse that equate to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment," the CHR concluded. With reports from JPC