CPPO to cooperate in CHR probe into 6 Talisay deaths

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CCPO) will cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the investigation into the recent death of six persons in anti-drug operations in Talisay City.

However, Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena, CPPO director, said in a press conference that their cooperation must be sanctioned by the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

He reiterated that there is a directive that documents related to killings in an anti-illegal drug operations can only be released if there is clearance from Camp Crame.

"We respect the mandate of CHR and we will be cooperating.  However, may hindrance po kami sa PNP particularly ang lower units because still we have to request guidance from national headquarters especially sa pagbibigay ng documents. We have been directed by NHQ na humingi muna ng clearance before issuing or clearing any form of documents," Abrugena said.

CHR-7 lawyer Arvin Odron previously pointed out that killing is not a function of law enforcers and that "public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life".

"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 was quoted in a previous report.

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 while he was conducting 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.

Abrugena maintained that the death of the suspects was out of self- defense because they shot at the police first.

"We tried our best to apprehend them alive. It just so happen na siguro sa sobra pagtake ng drugs hindi na nila alam what was the best thing to do. Kaya nang makita ang police natin, they were immediately fired upon and left operatives to retaliate," he said. (FREEMAN)