Answer murder complaint, BOC intel chief told

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Bureau of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services director Jeoffrey Tacio and several other BOC officials to answer the murder complaint filed against them by the family of police officer Celedonio Caunceran Jr., who died inside the CIIS detention facility last May.

In an order dated Oct. 17, the ombudsman’s Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO) directed Tacio, 11 other BOC officials, four officers of the Manila Police District and the manager of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to submit their counter-affidavits within 10 days.

The order was signed by Yvette Marie Evaristo, acting director of the MOLEO’s Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Prosecution Bureau.

The ombudsman found the complaint-affidavit filed by Caunceran’s mother Luzviminda and wife Carmelita “sufficient in form and substance.”

In their complaint, Caunceran’s mother and wife asked the ombudsman to probe Tacio and the 16 other respondents for murder, obstruction of justice, graft and violation of the Anti-Cybercrime Law.

The complainants said Tacio and the other respondents must also be held administratively liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and violations of the Anti-Red Tape Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The complaint stemmed from the death of Caunceran while he was detained at the CIIS office in Port Area, Manila.

Caunceran, who was assigned at the Quezon City Police District, was arrested by Customs personnel at the corner of 15th street and Railroad Drive in Port Area on May 20.

Prior to this, the BOC said it received a report that a suspicious armed man was seen circling around the agency’s vicinity.

While inside the CIIS facility for questioning, Caunceran reportedly asked permission to go to the toilet, prompting a Customs special agent to remove his handcuffs.

Caunceran allegedly grabbed the gun of the BOC agent until a scuffle ensued. He died from two gunshots to the forehead and the chest.

Caunceran’s mother and wife, however, said that the autopsy report on his body showed physical torture.