Town police chief sacked over missing Aeta

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – The police chief of Calaca town in Batangas has been relieved from his post in connection with the disappearance of an Aeta faith healer his men arrested.

The removal of Senior Inspector Jose Naparato stemmed from the alleged involvement of his eight men, including his deputy officer, in the disappearance of Dondie Marasigan last March 17, said Inspector Hazel Luma-ang, spokesperson for the Batangas police.

Luma-ang said Naparato and his men were ordered to submit themselves for investigation at the provincial police office.

Charges against deputy police chief Inspector Ernie delos Santos; Police Officers 3 Marciano Caag, Argel Joseph Noche and Jessie Tolentino, and PO1s Gerardo Visto, Rommel Caubalejo, Marvin Baldrias and Owen Dajoyag have been filed with the office of the provincial prosecutor.

Naparato was not included in the charge sheet as he was on leave when the incident happened.

Luma-ang said the police officers have been under restrictive custody at the Batangas police office.

Naparato was replaced by Chief Inspector Salvador Solana. He is the third police chief in Batangas to be removed from his post.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region is investigating Marasigan’s disappearance.

Lawyer Jacqueline de Guia, CHR-4A regional director, said they will monitor the development of the case.

De Guia said they would also determine if the rights of a 15-year-old girl, who was reportedly picked up by the police officers along with Marasigan, were violated.

CHR investigators requested a copy of the police report and others documents regarding Marasigan’s  case.

An ocular inspection has been conducted in the Calaca police station where Marasigan and the girl were taken.

Probers said they are also checking a report that Marasigan was beaten up while in police custody before he went missing.