Murder Suspects Allege Police Torture in Navotas City, Prompting Official Investigation

Two individuals accused of killing two people in Navotas City earlier this month have come forward with allegations of torture at the hands of police officers to compel their confessions. The incident reportedly took place on November 9.

One suspect, identified only as "Dave," described enduring severe physical abuse, including being struck with a heavy object until he lost consciousness. Despite bleeding heavily, police officers allegedly dismissed his condition as feigned.

"They said I was just acting when I collapsed to the floor; I was bleeding profusely," said "Dave," whose injuries are evident in his mugshot, showing gauze covering the top of his head.

According to their legal counsel, the suspects were transferred from jail to the Intelligence Section of the Navotas City Police Station, where the alleged torture occurred. Lawyer Cid Andeza detailed the methods reportedly used:

"They were beaten on the soles of their feet, their hands and feet were bound, and their heads wrapped in plastic, restricting their breathing."

Andeza referred to this as "bagging," a known form of torture, adding that such abuses are widely recognized.

The lawyer contends the suspects were coerced into signing extrajudicial confessions admitting they were responsible for the killings on November 3.

He has already lodged a formal complaint against eight police officers implicated in the alleged mistreatment with the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP IAS).

"This is the first time I've encountered such a case. While suspects often protest their innocence, the physical evidence here corroborates their claims," Andeza stated.

Responding to the allegations, PNP IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay emphasized their commitment to justice:

"We take all allegations of abuse seriously and will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. We uphold accountability and the rights of every person in police custody."

Conversely, the Northern Police District, overseeing Navotas police operations, stands by its officers and maintains that the two suspects are involved in the killings. They assert their evidence remains strong and oppose removing the accused officers from duty.

The implicated officers are anticipated to address the public in a media briefing scheduled for Thursday.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño noted:

"They reportedly intend to respond to the complaints, framing the allegations as harassment following the arrest of the suspects."

This unfolding case underscores ongoing concerns regarding police conduct during interrogations and highlights the importance of due process and human rights protections.