“We want to know the truth on Reijie’s mauling”

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Family members of drug suspect called for an impartial and complete investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the involvement of its policemen on alleged brutality.

Hours after the buy-bust operation, Reijie Rose was treated at Aklan provincial hospital in Kalibo, Aklan

Alicia Rose, mother of Reijie Rose, said the ongoing investigation of Aklan Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) will shed light why his son was mauled after he was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tigayon in Kalibo, Aklan early morning of July 13.

“Sa akun nga pagtan-aw, owa ku nabatyagan nga may naapinan ro PIAS. Ag sayod man nga katarungan man lang amung gina-usoy. Mataas akun nga pagsalig sa dayang imbestigasyon,” Alicia said.

Reijie will be transported to Iloilo City for further treatment with neuro-surgeon on July 19. He has been admitted for one week at Aklan provincial hospital for head and body injuries.  

He has been charged also with criminal offenses for unlawful possession and selling of suspected shabu, resisting arrest and direct assault.

Meanwhile, acting Aklan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Samuel Nacion said he has spoken to Inspector Wilfredo Hofilena, head of Aklan Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG), about the incident.

Authorities haven’t released the names of police officers or civilian agents involved in the alleged brutality. 

The incident spurred an outpouring of sadness and outrage in social media, as well as calls for action for the Philippine National Police to ensure justice is served to Reijie. 

So far, no witnesses are willing to stand or give their statements on the alleged mauling incident, Alicia said. 

“Bukon pa ako it kampante dahil owa it gatindog nga nagapatunay kun sin-o naghimo. Kun owa it testigo puro lang istorya lang da tanan (I am extremely concerned about the investigation since there are no witnesses, so far, to tell the police what happened,” she added.

Alicia said he was also thankful for the efforts of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Commission on Human Rights that will bring light on what happened to Reijie.  

“Owa man ako it mahimu kun ako man lang. Tanan ginasalig ko sa Gino-o sa paglaban kara mabaskug ro ang pagpati na mabueo namun ro hustisya. Kabay indi matuea ro kamatuuran sa amon ngara nga pagsukoe (I put all my trust to God. We have to know the truth behind the mauling of Reijie,” Alicia said.