IPPO probes alleged police abuse in Calinog

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has initiated an investigation following allegations that members of the Calinog Municipal Police Station manhandled a theft suspect.

Col. Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, said he ordered the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit to investigate immediately after learning of the incident on Oct. 11.

Alias Joaquin, 24, a fish vendor from Barangay Pasayan, Batad, Iloilo, was allegedly caught for theft at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 9.

He was renting a room in Barangay Simsiman, Calinog, when he was cornered by his landlord inside the latter’s room.

The 74-year-old landlord claimed to have lost his wallet containing around PHP 6,000 in cash and other personal belongings.

The landlord allegedly talked the suspect into surrendering the wallet.

In return, Joaquin was allegedly told that no charges would be filed against him.

But before the suspect turned over the wallet, police were called for assistance.

Joaquin alleged that police officers beat him.

Razalan said PIDMU personnel are conducting interviews to determine whether the alleged mauling took place.

If it did, investigators will also determine whether police officers were responsible for it.

Investigators had yet to talk to the suspect-complainant about his allegation.

Joaquin also has to submit a medical report to support his accusation.

Information also indicated that his landlord discovered on Oct. 10 that his wristwatch was missing.

It was not immediately known whether the wristwatch was found, but the landlord claimed that Joaquin might be responsible for its disappearance.

Meanwhile, Razalan said he had already talked to Calinog police chief Lt. Gabriel Gilmer Manguera about the issue.

Manguera vehemently denied that any physical abuse occurred.

“The IPPO assures the public that both the reported robbery incident and the allegations of physical abuse involving police personnel will be thoroughly and impartially investigated,” Razalan said.

He added that personnel found to have committed misconduct or violated the law will be held accountable in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

Calinog MPS statement

Following the incident, Calinog police issued a statement addressed to “Calinognons.”

The statement said their bond as a community is stronger than any false claim.

“We are aware of circulating accusations against Calinog MPS. While we respect everyone’s right to speak, we also ask for fairness and truth. Please do not condemn us without knowing the full story. Our officers are here because they care for Calinog and its people,” the statement added.

If there are grievances, police said they are always open to listening and addressing them properly.

“Let us not allow misunderstandings to break the trust we have built together. We are your police — and we are also your neighbors,” it added.

The National Police Commission has also reportedly ordered an investigation to verify what happened.