Police ask witnesses to speak up on alleged police brutality

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Authorities are urging any witnesses to surface and tell their story on the alleged police brutality against a drug suspect in Aklan.

Senior Inspector Eugenio Dionisio Jr., chief of Aklan Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS), has appealed on probable witnesses to surface for the ongoing investigation on Reijie Rose alleged mauling incident last week in Barangay Tigayon in Kalibo, Aklan.

Amid efforts to determine the policemen’s administrative liabilities, Dionisio revealed that the investigators on the case believed that there are likely witnesses of the incident.  So far, a lone witness in Barangay Tigayon here spoke with PIAS investigators which could help to progress the investigation. 

However, Dionisio refused to give the details of the statements of the witness. He also appealed for several individuals to come forward and to cooperate with what they know and may have about Rose mauling. 

The 27-year old suspect claimed he was mauled by operatives of Aklan Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG) early morning of July 13 in Barangay Tigayon during a buy-bust operation.

Rose was charged for illegal possession and selling of suspected shabu, however, he strongly denied the allegations.  

Initial police reports of the incident said Rose sustained injuries when he resisted the arrest and attempted to flee the operatives.

Rose, who was taken in a Iloilo hospital last July 19 for medical treatment, has to submit also his affidavit or the details of the incident to the authorities.

Dionisio said PIAS is working round the clock to investigate and substantiate the evidences for possible filing of administrative charges.  If the investigating officers found probable cause to indict the respondents for grave misconduct, a moto propio investigation report will be given to Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS)  6 in Iloilo City.

He also assured Reijie and his family, saying, “kun ano matuod duyon aton nga paguwa-on,” of the investigation of PIAS, a separate and independent body of the Philippine National Police. 

“To the family of Rose, (let us) trust the PIAS since our investigation is impartial, fair and objective to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident. Whoever committed the offense, we will file an appropriate administrative case,” he said. 

Anyone with information or who can assist about this incident is asked to contact the PIAS office at Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan on 272-1008. 

For their part, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Commission on Human Rights conducted their separate probe days after Rose was treated at the provincial hospital in Kalibo, Aklan for serious injuries to his head, knee and face.