PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he would investigate the reported secret detention facility in a Manila police station, where at least 12 suspected drug personalities had been illegally detained.
Speaking to reporters prior to his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at MalacaƱang grounds, Duterte said he is yet to get a glimpse of the said jail, which was reportedly hidden behind a bookshelf at the Drug Enforcement Unit office in Raxabago station in Tondo, Manila.
Duterte said he would coordinate with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa regarding the reported hidden facility in the police station.
"I have not seen that...I will look into this. I will call Bato [dela Rosa]," he said.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) conducted a surprise inspection on Thursday, which exposed that at least 12 drug suspected were imprisoned in the five-feet wide hidden detention cell with no proper ventilation.
Superintendent Roberto Domingo, commander of Raxabago station, has been relieved from his post pending the investigation.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella earlier Friday lauded Metro Manila police director Superintendent Oscar Albayalde for acting "decisively" and ordering the administrative relief of Domingo. (SunStar Philippines)