Probe set on deaths in Talisay anti-drug operations
CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights is set to investigate the two-day bloody anti-drug operations in Talisay City that claimed six lives for allegedly shooting it out with the police.
Lawyer Arvin Odron of CHR-7 told The FREEMAN that having fatalities during anti-drug operations is considered as an "operational failure".
"Definitely, the CHR will investigate the matter. Should there be death during police operations, under the human rights norms, such is considered an operational failure. In fact, under our laws, police work is nothing more than the lawful apprehension of suspects," Odron said.
He pointed out that kil ling is not a function of law enforcers and that "public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life".
Last Friday, Ramonito Manja alias Duterte, Arnel Hernane alias Alvin and a certain Joseph alias Odu were killed in a follow up operation.
The three were allegedly the suspects in shooting PO1 Jaylord Joseph Taping during a surveillance last Thursday in Sitio Lawaan 3.
Taping was wounded but is now out of danger. He was later given the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting.
On Saturday, a separate operation targeting five personalities in Maghaway Proper resulted in the death of three men identified as Susano "Sano" Labrador, Vincent Ceballos, and Warlito Tecson.
Two other subjects are at large and they are identified as Ariel "Ladoy" Olivar and Jackson Segundino.
On the other hand, Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) spokesperson Supt. Maria Aurora Rayos said they are open to any investigation.
She echoed the previous statements of Chief Supt. Debold Sinas that they have nothing to fear since cops only engage in a gunfight to defend themselves.
"Niana na man si RD (C/Supt. Debold Sinas) before nga CHR-7 is free to investigate anytime as it is their mandate. However, for us wala may sayup sa operations because there was a buy bust operation and the suspects nakigpinusilay. Under the rules of engagement, police are called to defend themselves as well," she said. (FREEMAN)
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