On alleged police brutality : PIAS names police officers involved

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The policemen allegedly involved in the mauling of a drug suspect in Kalibo, Aklan have been identified. The much-talked investigation about police brutality is ongoing, according to the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS).

PIAS pre-charge evaluator Police Officer 3 Pelegrino Palomar, Jr. said a police official and his three subordinates from Aklan Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG) are being investigated if there is probable cause to charge them administratively. 

Two weeks ago, drug suspect Reijie Rose, 27, sustained severe body and head injuries in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tigayon here.

Rose is facing charges for illegal selling and possession of suspected shabu, but, he is under hospital arrest in Iloilo City for medical treatment.  

Palomar said the four policemen were Police Inspector Wilfredo Hofilena, chief of Aklan PAIDSOTG; Police Officer 3 Allan dela Cruz; Police Officer 1 Lloyd Raymundo and Police Officer 1 Rolando Dano.

It was not immediately clear if civilian agents will be included in the pre-charge evaluation. 

Palomar also confirmed that the policemen had not been suspended over the alleged police brutality. 

As of now, the policemen are undergoing pre-charge investigation for grave misconduct which is a grave offense in the Philippine National Police (PNP), he added.

“Until we have not completed the impartial investigation, we could not recommend their preventive suspension,” Palomar said. 

One witness has surfaced to issue his statements of the incident, but, Palomar said testimonies from more witnesses will help speed up the investigation.

After the incident, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Commission on Human Rights also launched their probe into the alleged police brutality.