By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it is ready to face any independent investigation into allegations that suspects were tortured in the killing of a Bulacan police officer whose body was found in a septic tank last month.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said standard procedures were followed in the arrest and detention of suspects in the case of SSgt. Renato Casauay Jr.
“The Philippine National Police strictly follows established procedures, especially our existing policy that ensures that the rights of the any accused in a crime is protected,” Nartatez said.
“But we welcome any effort to question the procedure and we are open to any investigation in the spirit of truth and transparency.”
Nartatez said the PNP does not tolerate torture or any human rights violations, and has strict internal rules to address personnel misconduct.
He said the police force is prepared to submit documents and records should the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) or any oversight body conduct an inquiry.
Nartatez issued the statement after the father of Oliver Mauricio, one of the arrested suspects, reportedly sought assistance from the CHR, claiming that his son was illegally arrested and tortured by the police.
Casauay was killed on Jan. 24 in Malolos City, Bulacan. His remains were recovered from a septic tank a week later.
Julian Salamat, reportedly the officer’s intelligence asset, was identified as the suspected gunman.
Police arrested three suspects, including Mauricio, the day the body was found. Salamat was later apprehended in Davao del Norte, while two others surrendered. Four more suspects remain at large. (PNA)
